MS in Accounting

Build Your Future in Accounting.

Prepare for the CPA exam and careers in public accounting, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations with a flexible master’s degree designed for accounting majors and career changers alike.

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Tell us a little about yourself to learn more about the MS in Accounting, including curriculum, concentrations, CPA preparation, admissions, costs, and upcoming deadlines.

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30 Credit Hours | Online + On Campus | 12–18 Month Timeline | No GMAT or GRE
Why Earn Your UNCG MS in Accounting

ACCOUNTING EXPERTISE THAT OPENS DOORS

Build advanced accounting expertise for a profession that goes far beyond the numbers. The UNCG MS in Accounting combines CPA preparation, analytical skills, and real-world experience to prepare you for opportunities across public accounting, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.

CPA-FOCUSED COURSEWORK

Build a foundation for CPA exam preparation through coursework in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and data analytics.

BUILD YOUR EXPERTISE

Customize your degree with concentrations in Taxation or Financial Reporting and Assurance, plus more than 20 elective options.

CAREER-READY

Gain practical experience through paid internships and build connections with accounting firms and industry employers.

Recognized for impact.

A HIGHLY RESPECTED ACCOUNTING PROGRAM

Earn your MS in Accounting from a business school recognized for excellence in both business and accounting. UNCG combines rigorous accounting education, CPA preparation, and strong career outcomes with the flexibility of online and on-campus study.

AACSB Logo

Accredited in Business. And Accounting.

The Bryan School holds AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting—a distinction that reflects its commitment to quality education and continuous improvement.

Built for the real world.

Build Accounting Expertise. Apply It in the Real World.

Build advanced accounting expertise through CPA-focused coursework, analytical problem-solving, and practical experience. The MS in Accounting connects advanced study in financial reporting, assurance, taxation, analytics, and contemporary accounting issues with the demands of today’s profession.

CPA Focused Learning
ADVANCED ACCOUNTING KNOWLEDGE

Strengthen your skills in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and data analytics.

Paid Internship Experience
PAID INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

Apply your accounting knowledge through a paid internship with a public accounting firm or industry employer.

Flexible Specialization
FLEXIBLE SPECIALIZATION

Choose from more than 20 electives and specialize through concentrations in Taxation or Financial Reporting and Assurance.

FLEXIBLE BY DESIGN

Choose the Format That Works for You

Time to completion depends on course load, format, prerequisites, and individual academic planning. Contact the program for an individualized timeline.

ON CAMPUS + ONLINE OPTIONS

Learn in person at UNC Greensboro with the flexibility to incorporate online courses into your schedule.

Best for students who want:

  • Face-to-face interaction
  • Access to campus resources
  • Flexibility to take online courses
100% ONLINE

Complete your MS in Accounting online with coursework designed to fit around work and other commitments.

Best for students who want:

  • Coursework designed to accommodate working professionals
  • The flexibility to study from anywhere
  • The ability to earn your degree without relocating

Explore the Curriculum

The MS in Accounting combines advanced accounting coursework, electives, and a capstone experience with the flexibility to build the degree around your background and professional goals.

The MS in Accounting requires 30 graduate credit hours: 9 hours of core courses, 9 hours of core accounting electives, 9 hours of electives, and a 3-hour capstone. Prerequisites may apply depending on academic background.

30

Total Credit Hours

9

Core Credit Hours

9

Core Accounting Elective Credit Hours

9

Elective Credit Hours

3

Capstone Credit Hours

Career Ready

Turn Accounting Expertise Into Career Opportunity

Prepare for careers in public accounting, industry, government, nonprofit organizations, taxation, assurance, consulting, and related fields. The MS in Accounting combines advanced technical knowledge, analytical skills, CPA preparation, and career support.

Career Support Includes:

  • Personalized career coaching
  • Resume and LinkedIn reviews
  • Interview preparation
  • Employer and alumni networking
Career Impact

WHERE OUR GRADUATES WORK

UNC Greensboro MS in Accounting graduates have launched successful careers with leading accounting firms and organizations, including:

CRI Logo
CLA Logo
Dean Dorton
DMJPS Logo
Forvis Mazars
Gilliam Bell Moser
KPMG Logo
Lincoln Financial
Smith Leonard Logo
Wells Fargo Logo

Graduates are prepared for roles in financial reporting, tax analysis, auditing, forensic accounting, and corporate finance including:

  • Accountant
  • Assurance Associate
  • Corporate Tax Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Reporting Associate
  • Forensic Associate
  • Tax Associate
  • Staff Accountant

Career Outcomes

Bryan MSA graduates see strong career outcomes across every stage of their careers. Graduates report an average salary of $76,043. Over the past five years, 95% of MSA graduates were employed within 6 months of graduation.

$76k

Average Salary
(2025)

95%

5-year average employment rate.
(2021-2025)

About these outcomes: Employment rates reflect a five-year average for MSA graduates. Salary figures reflect a one-year average based on the most recent complete calendar year.

Student Perspectives

See the MS in Accounting Experience Through Their Eyes

Hear from MS in Accounting students about their experiences in the program, from preparing for the CPA and completing internships to building professional connections and launching their careers.

Connect with a Graduate Student Ambassador to learn what it’s really like to be an MS in Accounting student at UNCG.

 
Explore the MSA Curriculum

Build Advanced Accounting Expertise

The 30-credit MS in Accounting combines advanced accounting coursework with flexible electives that let you shape the degree around your professional goals. Choose a concentration in Taxation or Financial Reporting & Assurance, or customize your electives across accounting and related business disciplines. The MSA does not require a thesis.

Required Core Courses

ACC 638 — Accounting Data Analytics
Apply data analytics models and methods to accounting problems.

ACC 642 — Specialized Accounting Entities
Explore accounting for business combinations, consolidated financial statements, partnerships, and other specialized entities.

ACC 651 — Introduction to Business Entity Taxation
Examine how corporations, S corporations, and partnerships are taxed throughout formation, operation, and distributions.

Capstone Course

ACC 630 — Seminar in Contemporary Accounting Issues
Research, analyze, and present current issues facing professional accountants.

Explore Your Electives

Complete 9 credit hours of accounting electives and 9 credit hours of additional electives to build expertise that supports your professional goals.

Accounting elective options include:

  • ACC 561 — Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
  • ACC 613 — Directed Studies in Accounting
  • ACC 621 — Accounting Internship
  • ACC 631 — Advanced Auditing
  • ACC 632 — Principles of Fraud Examination
  • ACC 652 — Taxation of Estates, Gifts and Trusts
  • ACC 655 — Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders
  • ACC 656 — Taxation of Flow-Through Business Entities
  • ACC 688 — Advanced Business Law

Additional approved accounting courses may also fulfill elective requirements. Electives from other graduate programs require approval from the MSA Program Director and the director of the program offering the course.

CPA Exam Preparation

Support your CPA exam preparation with accounting electives covering financial reporting, auditing, taxation, business law, and business concepts.

Study course options include:

  • ACC 641 – Advanced Study in Business Analysis and Reporting
  • ACC 643 – Advanced study of tax compliance and planning
  • ACC 644 – Advanced study of information systems and controls
  • ACC 647 — Advanced Study in Financial Accounting and Reporting
  • ACC 648 — Guided Study in Taxation and Business Law
  • ACC 649 — Advanced Study in Auditing and Attestation

Consult your academic advisor to discuss how these courses fit your degree plan and CPA preparation goals.

Focus Your MSA With A Concentration

Use your accounting or general elective credits to pursue a 9-credit concentration.

Taxation

Develop specialized knowledge in taxation. Choose three courses totaling 9 credits from:

  • ACC 652 — Taxation of Estates, Gifts and Trusts
  • ACC 655 — Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders
  • ACC 656 — Taxation of Flow-Through Business Entities
  • ACC 688 — Advanced Business Law
Financial Reporting and Assurance

Develop expertise in financial reporting, assurance services, and consulting. Choose three courses totaling 9 credits from:

  • ACC 561 — Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
  • ACC 631 — Advanced Auditing
  • ACC 632 — Principles of Fraud Examination
  • ACC 688 — Advanced Business Law
  • MBA 721 — Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation

For either concentration, ACC 613 — Directed Studies in Accounting may count when appropriate and approved by the M.S. in Accounting Program Director and course instructor. Consult your academic advisor early to plan your concentration.

Sample curriculum

Part Time – Accounting Majors
Part Time – Non Accounting Majors
Full Time – Accounting Majors
Full Time – Non Accounting Majors

No Accounting Degree? Start Here.

The MSA welcomes students from a variety of academic backgrounds. The core degree includes 30 credit hours; depending on your previous coursework, you may need up to 12 additional credits in intermediate accounting, accounting systems, and cost accounting. Basic business prerequisites may also apply.

Non-accounting majors complete ACC 602 — Federal Tax Concepts and ACC 604 — Auditing Concepts within their accounting elective hours. Students without prior financial management coursework also complete MBA 707 — Financial Management as an elective.

Business Prerequisites

Applicants without a business background are expected to complete the following prerequisite coursework before beginning the MS in Accounting program.

CodeCourseCredit Hours
ECO 201Principles of Microeconomics3
STA 108Economics and Business Statistics I3
ACC 201Financial Accounting3
ACC 202Managerial Accounting3

These courses are offered each semester, including summer. Applicants planning to begin the program in the fall may complete any needed introductory courses during the summer before starting.

Have questions about your previous coursework? Request a transcript review.

An Investment In Your Future

A High-Value Graduate Degree

The 30-credit MS in Accounting combines advanced coursework and career development. Total cost depends on residency, enrollment, and any required prerequisites.

Accounting Majors On Campus (Day)
In-State

$17,000

Out-of-State

$37,000

Assuming 30 credit hours of full-time study for 1 year. 

Accounting Majors Online
In-State

$16,500

Outside-of-NC

$25,500

Out-of-State

$42,000

Assuming 30 credit hours of part-time study for 2 years. 

Non-Accounting Majors On Campus (Day) with Online options 
In-State

$23,500

Out-of-State

$52,000

Assuming 42 credit hours of full-time study for 1 ½ years. 

Non-Accounting Majors Online
In-State

$23,000

Outside-of-NC

$36,000

Out-of-State

$58,500

Assuming 42 credit hours of part-time study for 2 ½ years. 

The Outside-of-NC rate applies to students located outside of the state taking online classes. The Out-of-State rate applies to students taking classes while located within the state, but are not residents of NC (determined by the Residency Determination Service).

FAQs

Questions About the UNCG MS in Accounting

Considering an MS in Accounting is a big decision. Explore answers to frequently asked questions about admissions, CPA preparation, tuition, concentrations, program formats, and what to expect as a Bryan School accounting student.

The MS in Accounting is a 30-credit-hour degree comprising 9 hours of core courses, 9 hours of core accounting electives, 9 hours of electives, and a 3-hour capstone.

Time to completion depends on course load, format, prerequisites, and individual academic planning. Contact the program for an individualized timeline.

Yes. UNCG offers the MS in Accounting online and on campus, with full-time and part-time options.

No. The MS in Accounting welcomes applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. Depending on your previous coursework, you may need additional accounting courses.

Applicants without a business background are expected to complete prerequisites in microeconomics, business statistics, financial accounting, and managerial accounting before beginning the program. These courses are offered each semester, including summer.

See “No Accounting Degree? Start Here” for prerequisite details, or request a transcript review to discuss your previous coursework.

Yes. The program offers advanced accounting, taxation, and auditing coursework and CPA review support. CPA eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction.

No. The GMAT and GRE are not required for admission to the MS in Accounting program.

Students can choose concentrations in Taxation or Financial Reporting and Assurance, or select from more than 20 electives to customize the degree.

The degree can prepare graduates for careers in public accounting, taxation, audit and assurance, financial reporting, consulting, corporate accounting, government, and nonprofit organizations.

  • Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution
  • For U.S. degrees, one official transcript from all previous academic institutions.
  • For international degrees, a course-by-course evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®) service, showing proof of U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency, credit hours and GPA.

GMAT/GRE scores are not required, however students may include test scores as part of their application.

Need some help?
Download the Bryan School Application Guide.

Bryan School Online Application Guide

International students should reference the Graduate School’s Application Guide for transcript and language proficiency details

Tuition varies based on residency and whether you study online or on campus. Estimated 2026–27 program costs are listed in the cost section above.

Ready when you are

Choose When You Want to Start

Start the MS in Accounting in the fall, spring, or summer. Apply by the priority deadline for earlier consideration for scholarships and financial aid, advising, and course selection.

Fall Term (Begins in August)
Priority Deadline

March 1

Final Deadline

June 15

Spring Term (Begins in January)
Priority Deadline

October 15

Final Deadline

November 15

Summer Term (May & June)
Priority Deadline

March 1

Final Deadline

April 1

COME CHAT WITH US!

If you still have questions regarding our MS in Accounting program, please reach out to our graduate recruitment team by phone or email. You may also schedule a time to meet with one of our recruiters or attend one of our upcoming information sessions.

Jennifer Chapman

Jennifer Kiger Chapman

Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment
Phone: 336-334-4657
Bryan 301K
Jennifer-BryanGrad@uncg.edu

Savannah Martin

Graduate Recruitment Specialist
Phone: 336-334-4657
Bryan 301F
Savannah-BryanGrad@uncg.edu

How to Get Started

Visit Bryan Graduate Connections
Connect With Us!