Online Master of Science in Accounting Public Accounting
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Why earn a public accounting master’s degree from Strayer?
With a public accounting master’s degree from Strayer University, you can develop the knowledge and skills to help your organization make smart, ethical financial decisions. Gain an understanding of best practices in accounting and learn new skills that can expand your career opportunities.
MS in Accounting, Public Accounting program overview
Public accounting specialists are needed in a wide variety of business and government settings. Our master’s program covers concepts in business law and tax, auditing within a business environment, and comprehensive financial accounting to help you grow your accounting expertise and prepare for a role in the field.
Is an MS in Accounting, Public Accounting good to have? It depends on what you learn.
- Develop solutions to problems applicable to the federal taxation of individuals, corporations, partnerships, fiduciaries, estates and gifts.
- Perform functions of financial accounting, tax and audit for individuals and businesses.
- Apply various advanced financial management tools and planning and measurement methodologies to business situations and solutions.
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 degree in public 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. The Strayer course design uses this requirement to meet applicable regulatory standards.
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).
86
of Strayer master's alumni agree that Strayer was the right choice for earning their degree.
Strayer Alumni Survey, 2023
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*Student is required to take two courses per quarter during disbursement period
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Program cost breakdown
The Strayer master’s 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 invest in their employees by partnering with Strayer University to offer access to tuition savings and other educational benefits. If your employer is a corporate 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.
What coursework do you need to specialize in public accounting?
Coursework in this program covers business law, tax and accounting concepts to help prepare you to understand the fiscal, legal and managerial implications of your decisions – and those of your employer. You’ll analyze financial records, review fiscal regulations and assist with tax reviews and preparation. View all courses.
Sample courses
Address advanced topics in the business law and tax environment. Discuss business ethics; business law; the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC); and federal income, estate and gift taxation. Analyze accounting information and make recommendations orally and in writing. Topics include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Code of Professional Conduct; ethics and responsibilities in tax practice; legal responsibilities and liabilities; agency and contracts; debtor-creditor relationships; the federal government’s regulation of business; and the federal taxation of individuals, corporations, S corporations, partnerships, fiduciaries, estates and gifts.
This course covers advanced topics in auditing and the general business environment for students pursuing a career in public accounting. Concepts covered include attestation engagements and advanced accounting functions affecting businesses. Students analyze advanced audit and accounting information and make recommendations both orally and in writing. Topics include auditing procedures, domestic generally accepted auditing standards, audit reports, other attestation reports, other professional services, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the nature of business structures, the analysis of economic concepts used in business, advanced aspects of the financial management of a business, information technology issues in business, and the accounting planning and management functions of a business.
This course covers advanced topics in financial accounting for students pursuing a career in public accounting. Concepts covered include complex accounting functions affecting businesses. Students analyze financial accounting and financial reporting information and make recommendations both orally and in writing. Topics covered include concepts and standards; financial statements; income statement items; financial statement disclosure; cash and inventories; receivables; inventories; property, plant, and equipment; intangibles and other assets; payables and taxes; employee benefits; long-term liabilities; leases and contingencies; equity; business combinations; foreign currency issues and other topics; governmental concepts; fund accounting and reporting; and not-for-profit concepts, accounting, and reporting.
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.
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. Read more.
Transferring to Strayer from another university?
Some or all of the credits you’ve earned may be transferable.
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.