Gain the skills you need to excel in your career with our Master’s in Accounting. Our program offers comprehensive CPA exam preparation.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    Online | Hybrid
  • Degree
    MS

MS in Accounting Overview

UMass Lowell’s Master of Science in Accounting will prepare you for diverse careers in public, corporate, government and nonprofit sectors. The Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy has classified our program as Level 1, which satisfies the educational requirements to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

With options available in International Business and Corporate Leadership, you can tailor your degree to your career goals. Our program's flexibility allows you to complete your Master's in Accounting degree online or as a hybrid mix of online and on-campus courses. Teaching and research assistantships are available to qualifying full-time students.

Program Quick Facts

  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Not Required
  • Available Online and Hybrid
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
  • F1 Visa Eligible

Accounting Curriculum

The Master's in Accounting is a 10-course, 30-credit master's degree program. You may complete the general degree pathway in accounting or choose one of the options.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

All programs are 10 courses, 30 credits.
Required Core Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
ACCT.6050Government and Non-Profit Accounting3
ACCT.6120Advanced Cost Management3
ACCT.6300Taxation of Business Entities3
ACCT.6400Financial Accounting Theory and Research3
ACCT.6550Advanced Auditing3

General Option Elective Courses (choose 2 of the following)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total6
ACCT.6020Advanced Management and Sustainability Accounting3
ACCT.6220Globalization and Accounting3
ACCT.6230Contemporary Accounting Issues3
ACCT.6450Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting3
ACCT.6600Accounting Data Analytics3
Non-accounting Courses (choose 3)
Course #Course NameCr.
XXXX.XXXXThese 3 courses are generally selected from the UMass Lowell MBA program, other courses can be selected with the approval of the MSA coordinator.9
Total9
Total = 30 credits
Last updated 06/29/19

All programs are 10 courses, 30 credits.
Required Core Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
ACCT.6050Government and Non-Profit Accounting3
ACCT.6120Advanced Cost Management3
ACCT.6300Taxation of Business Entities3
ACCT.6400Financial Accounting Theory and Research3
ACCT.6550Advanced Auditing3

Corporate Accounting Leadership Option Required Course
Course #Course NameCr.
ACCT.6020Advanced Management and Sustainability Accounting3
Total3 
Corporate Accounting Leadership Option Elective Courses (choose 1 of the following)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total3
ACCT.6220Globalization and Accounting3
ACCT.6600Accounting Data Analytics3
ACCT.6230Contemporary Accounting Issues3
ACCT.6450Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting3
Corporate Accounting Leadership Option Elective Courses (choose 3 of the following)
Course #Course NameCr.
MGMT.6100Managerial Leadership3
MGMT.6150International Business3
FINA.6010Corporate Finance3
MGMT.6520Human Resources Management3
FINA.6110Financial Statement Analysis3
MGMT.6250Negotiations3
Total9
Total = 30 credits
Last updated 06/29/19

All programs are 10 courses, 30 credits.
Required Core Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
ACCT.6050Government and Non-Profit Accounting3
ACCT.6120Advanced Cost Management3
ACCT.6300Taxation of Business Entities3
ACCT.6400Financial Accounting Theory and Research3
ACCT.6550Advanced Auditing3

International Business Option Required Course
Course #Course NameCr.
ACCT.6220Globalization and Accounting3
Total3 
International Business Option Elective Courses (choose 1 of the following)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total3
ACCT.6020Advanced Management and Sustainability Accounting3
ACCT.6600Accounting Data Analytics3
ACCT.6230Contemporary Accounting Issues3
ACCT.6450Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting3
International Business Option Elective Courses (choose 3 of the following)
Course #Course NameCr.
FINA.6910International Financial Management3
MGMT.6150International Business3
MKTG.6700International Marketing3
POMS.6020Global Supply Chain3
ENTR.6100Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation3
ENTR.6110Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation3
Total9
Total = 30 credits
Last updated 06/29/19

  1. Disciplinary Knowledge & Analytics: Program graduates will be able to use quantitative and analytical methods to integrate accounting analysis and diagnostic problem-solving skills in order to support management decision-making.
  2. Global Awareness: Program graduates will be able to assess global accounting principles and issues including their impact on business practice.
  3. Ethical Reasoning Skills: Program graduates will be able to apply ethical reasoning for personal and professional decision-making.
  4. Communication and Research: Program graduates will be able to clearly, efficiently, and effectively communicate accounting-related information and research in both oral and written methods.

Why Study Accounting at UMass Lowell?

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Reputation

UMass Lowell’s Master of Science in Accounting is among the few programs in the country recognized by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The online program consistently ranks among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

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Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Exam Ready

Our program’s Level 1 status makes it easier for UMass Lowell accounting graduates to become a CPA.

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Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation

The Manning School of Business is accredited by the AACSB, a distinction earned by only 5% of the world’s business schools.

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Affordability

Our program can be completed online for under $20,000 if your bachelor's course work satisfies prerequisite course requirements.

Accounting Career Outlook

  • +4%

    Projected job growth for accountants

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

  • $101.8K

    Median earnings for accountants in the U.S.

    (Lightcast, 2023)

Where Our Graduates Work

  • State Street
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Baker Tilly US
  • Raytheon
  • Brown Brothers Harriman
  • BAE Systems, Inc.

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Cost Per Credit: $655
Term Registration Fee: $30

Estimated Total Program Cost (30 credits): $19,650 

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. 
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) applicants. It is accepted, but not required, for master's applicants.
  • Resume

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 100+ (Master of Business Administration is 90+)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0+
  • Duolingo: 135+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 72+

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone: 978-934-2848
Email: MSA@uml.edu

U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate business program, UMass Lowell.
Named a Best Online Graduate Business program by U.S. News & World Report.