KSB - Kogod School of Business on a map
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United StatesOur Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program prepares students for rewarding careers in all facets of the field, from nonprofit to forensic accounting.
Whether you're advancing your career, transitioning to a new one, or just starting out, the MSA program will put you on track to compete in a flourishing field – one that's projected to increase by 22 percent in the next decade. The MSA curriculum focuses on various accounting topics - including auditing, forensic investigation, business ethics, information systems, and more - to develop the leadership qualities and data-utilization skills you'll need to excel in the industry.
The Kogod MSA faculty are real-world practitioners who bring their diverse experiences and unique business backgrounds to the classroom.
The MS accounting faculty uses experiential exercises and integrated projects to teach you the principles of business accounting. Our talented department will provide personal attention to help you analyze the accounting world from every angle.
Prominent accounting experts from the "Big Four" firms are regular guest speakers.
The MSA program is between 30-37.5 credits, depending upon your prior academic experience in Accounting. Full-time students typically complete the program in 1-1.5 years. Part-time students typically complete the program in 2+ years. Courses generally meet once per week in time slots of 5:30pm-8:00pm and occasionally 8:20pm-10:50pm.
Courses are grouped into three types: business foundations, core accounting, and electives. With input from you, the program director will prepare an individualized program plan for you based upon your prior academic experience. Students with an accounting background can choose from a range of courses in financial reporting and assurance, forensic accounting, or taxation. And all students select elective courses to supplement their specialty- as well as take part in internships and leadership opportunities.
Graduates emerge from the masters program well-prepared for the CPA exam, and, most importantly, a successful career.
"I felt encouraged to do what made me happy. My professors always focused on my individual path, rather than what I was 'supposed' to do."
With a high success rate for full-time employment, the MSA program sets you up for a job outcome that fits your goals.
AU's location in the nation's capital offers students access to extensive accounting internship and employment opportunities across the corporate, non-profit, and government sectors. With a specialized accounting focus of your choice, you'll pursue positions that match your interests.
Both full-time students and working professionals, take full advantage of the connected Washington, DC based alumni network. Accounting career preparation is also aided by our well-connected Kogod Center for Business Communication and the Office of Career Engagement.
MSA graduates excel in various accounting, auditing and budgeting roles, including supervisor, and managerial positions.
As the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) puts it, STEM programs are "designed to develop students’ management skills and technical expertise in harmony, producing a new class of future executives who are bilingual in business and tech." In other words, our program is now recognized for its academic rigor in teaching the technical skills so many employers seek, which is critical for our students' career success!
Kogod's Accounting Analytics specialization offers enhancements to the existing curriculum, providing students with a strong foundation in analytics, a skill that has become expected of accounting professionals and professional licensure.
To be admitted to the STEM specialization of the program, you will need to apply specifically to the Accounting Analytics specialization. Once admitted, you will be required take the following courses to satisfy the STEM designation:
Plus one of the following:
The MS in Accounting with Specialization in Accounting Analytics is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in business or a minor in business administration at an AACSB accredited school, or with approval of the Program Director. Send requests to kogodgrad@american.edu. This program requires 33-37.5 credits, depending upon previously completed coursework.
A note for our international applicants: The new designation is also an important announcement for all of our international applicants as Kogod students can now benefit from an extension to their Optional Practical Training (OPT). Typical OPT allows international students to stay and work in the United States for 12 months after graduating. Because US companies have such a high demand for STEM-trained master’s graduates, those who graduate from STEM-designated programs, like Kogod's STEM track in the MS in Accounting, are able to apply for a 24-month extension to their OPT, making for a total of 36 months (3 years).
"Ernst & Young, my current employer, tells me they're surprised at some of the knowledge I have."
Alumni of the MSA program work for a variety of companies in a wide range of positions, including, but not limited to:
Yes, students select from a variety of graduate accounting and tax courses designed to prepare students for the advanced topics covered on the CPA exam.
They’ll also be equipped to meet the educational requirements for public accounting licensure in most US states.
The program can range from 30 to 37.5 credit hours. Students with undergraduate accounting degrees can complete the program in one calendar year by completing 15 graduate accounting hours and 15 graduate elective hours. Students with an undergraduate degree in other business disciplines can complete the program in one year as well (21 graduate accounting hours and nine hours of graduate electives), but it could take those without a business background 1.5 to 2 years to finish.
Flexibility is offered for working professionals.
Yes, the Kogod School of Business at American University has partnered with ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) to provide you access to the global qualification. While you study for your MSA at Kogod, you can gain exemptions from the ACCA qualification. By completing the MSA program, you are eligible for up to 6 exemptions of the ACCA’s 14 exams.
All applicants, including international applicants, are considered for merit scholarships during the application review process; a separate application is not required for consideration. There is a question on the application that asks you to confirm if you would like to be considered for scholarship. Please answer 'yes' to this question to be considered.
Please note:The answer to this question will not negatively impact your admissions decision. Typically only students who are otherwise funded would decline scholarship consideration.
There are also several MS Accounting scholarships that can offer financial assistance to students.
