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Kogod School of Business, American University MS Accounting
Kogod School of Business, American University

MS Accounting

Washington, USA

1 up to 2 Years

English

Full time, Part time

15 Feb 2025*

25 Aug 2025

USD 2,000 / per credit **

On-Campus

* february 15, 2025: final international student deadline |April 15, 2025: final student deadline

** may be subject to change. Additional fees apply

Introduction

An innovative curriculum. Award-winning faculty. Outstanding career guidance

Our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program prepares students for rewarding careers in all facets of the field, from nonprofit to forensic accounting. There is a STEM option for this degree

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.

Diverse Experiences with Real-World Practitioners

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.

Specialize your coursework

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 5:30 pm-8:00 pm and occasionally 8:20 pm-10:50 pm.

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 on 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 master's program well-prepared for the CPA exam and, most importantly, a successful career.

Learning in a Prime Location

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 internships 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.

Program Highlights

STEM-Designated Specialization

Our STEM-designated accounting program is available to graduate accounting students who are accepted into the accounting analytics specialization and complete four courses that are specific to the STEM designation. The designation also allows international students to apply for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training, granting them the ability to work in the US for up to three years.

Partnership with ACCA and ACFE

We are one of the few universities in the US to have a partnership with ACCA. By completing the MSA program, you can wave up to 6 of their 14 exams. We will also help you prepare for the ACFE's exam and CFE credential, the main certification for international anti-fraud professionals.

Expert Faculty

Before joining the faculty, Casey Evans was senior director of forensic & litigation consulting at FTI Consulting, where she specialized in conducting complex forensic accounting and financial fraud investigations in conjunction with the SEC, DOJ, and corporate audit committee inquiries. She was part of the team of FTI investigators responsible for investigating Bernard Madoff and Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, one of the largest investor frauds in American history.

Casey Evans believes what sets Kogod’s MS Accounting (MSA) program apart is its inclusivity. “You don’t need any accounting experience before you get your master’s at Kogod,” says Evans, MSA program.

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