Study Advanced Business Law, Information Systems and Accounting Concepts
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree is a graduate-level learning opportunity for students who hold a BS in Accounting. In this program, you will have opportunities to develop advanced skills in financial reporting while building your foundational knowledge of specialized accounting topics. The master’s in accounting is offered by the Colangelo College of Business at Grand Canyon University.
Transfer Credits
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Or Passing Test Scores:
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Prepare for the Uniform CPA Exam
It’s recommended that you sit for the Uniform CPA Exam during the program, as the capstone courses are dedicated to preparing you for the test. Explore ethical best practices and issues pertaining to legal compliance while preparing to take the Uniform CPA Examination.
You will take three capstone classes during your master’s in accounting program, including:
Capstone I
Introduces you to the Uniform CPA Exam and covers the Accounting and Data Analytics Core sections of the exam.
Capstone II
Examines the Audit and Accounting Information Systems Core portion of the test.
Capstone III
Can help prepare you for the Tax Core section of the exam.
Benefits of Pursuing Your MS in Accounting From GCU
There are many reasons to consider earning your MSA degree, from preparing to pass the Uniform CPA Exam to broadening your career possibilities. The completion of a master’s in accounting program is not necessarily an eligibility requirement for the Uniform CPA Exam, depending on the individual requirements of your state and whether you earned a sufficient number of semester hours in accounting during your baccalaureate program.1
However, earning a graduate degree, regardless of examination requirements, can allow you to improve upon your previous accounting knowledge. Although no degree program can guarantee a particular career outcome, earning an online master’s in accounting can provide you with the opportunity to position yourself for potential career advancement.
Flexible Learning Formats to Fit Your Lifestyle
Work to extend your knowledge of business law, information systems and public accounting practice with the MS in Accounting. GCU is a private Christian university that embraces the positive values of servant leadership and ethical problem-solving.
Choose an Online Master’s in Accounting Program
The interactive online learning platform at GCU can allow working professionals to take courses on a flexible, convenient schedule. By earning your online master’s in accounting, you do not have to choose between your job and your education. Complete coursework on a schedule that fits your lifestyle while benefitting from engaging discussions with your peers.
MS in Accounting Program Requirements
The amount of time it may take you to complete your program can vary depending on several factors. As part of this degree program, you are required to complete a capstone course toward the end of your studies. The capstone course enables you to reinforce the concepts you were taught throughout the program in preparation to take the Uniform CPA Exam. To learn how long it may take you to complete your program, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
Develop Advanced Accounting Skills Through Relevant MSA Coursework
This online MSA program provides you with an in-depth look at relevant topics in accounting, such as
Throughout this MSA program, you will be taught to:
- Develop your research skills
- Enhance your understanding of the quantitative methods of data analysis
- Examine key topics in financial reporting and accounting
- Study ethical practices
- Develop and apply decision-making skills
Study Analytical and Ethical Concepts in Accounting
Study Analytical and Ethical Concepts in Accounting
While working toward your MSA degree, you will examine a range of learning objectives. These include:
- Factors that affect the use of cost information for decision-making purposes
- Meeting ethical obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
- Advanced data analytical concepts to support financial data
- Core auditing concepts, including financial reporting for government and not-for-profit entities
Career Possibilities for MSA Degree Holders
After completing an online master’s in accounting program, advanced management positions in corporate or public accounting may be within your reach. Job applicants with a master’s in accounting degree may set themselves apart from other candidates without this credential.
Although no degree program can guarantee a specific career outcome, some of the careers that can be related to this MS in Accounting may include the following:
Some accounting career paths require candidates to pass the Uniform CPA Exam.
Average median annual salary for accountants and auditors, as of 20234
Institutionally Accredited Accounting Degrees
Before you choose a university at which to enroll in an online MSA program, it’s important to ensure the school is institutionally accredited. Institutional accreditation speaks to the quality of the instruction at the university. GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited institute of higher education. For more information, visit our accreditation page.
Master’s in Accounting Program FAQs
Even if you’re currently working in the accounting field, you may have some questions about the future of your career path and how further education may benefit you. Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about pursuing a career in accounting and earning your MSA degree.
Course List
Credit Summary
Major34 Credits
Degree Requirements34 Credits
Core Courses
UNV-504
2 Total Credits
Introduction to Graduate Studies in the College of Business
ACC-614
2 Total Credits
Accounting Research
ACC-657
4 Total Credits
Advanced Data Analytics
ACC-680
4 Total Credits
Auditing and Data Analytics Core
ACC-656
4 Total Credits
Advanced Accounting
ACC-681
4 Total Credits
Tax Core
ACC-658
4 Total Credits
Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting
ACC-682
4 Total Credits
Accounting and Data Analytics Core
ACC-653
4 Total Credits
Advanced Managerial and Cost Accounting
ACC-685
2 Total Credits
BAR Discipline Capstone
Prepare To Pursue Your CPA License
Position yourself for potential career advancement in the accounting field by earning your MSA degree at GCU. Apply today for enrollment.
