Associate Professor Gina Singleton standing in front of a table in her classroom, interacting with three Master of Accountancy (M.S.A.) program students.

Master of Science in Accountancy

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Meet with faculty and learn more about our 12 online master’s degree programs at a virtual open house in February. Click here for more information.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) at Columbia College is a rigorous 30-credit graduate program designed for working accountants and recent grads seeking advanced expertise in financial reporting, corporate taxation, auditing, managerial accounting, and analytics. Delivered 100% online, the program provides the flexibility you need while offering a curriculum aligned with the CPA exam. Students gain the depth of knowledge and practical analytical skills required for leadership roles across public accounting, corporate finance, and nonprofit or government sectors.

What to Expect

Online or In-Person


24/7 flexibility to study when and where it’s convenient for you

12-24 Months


Full- and part-time options

8-Week Courses

Earn your degree at a pace that works for you with six sessions every year

Why Choose Columbia College for Your Master’s in Accountancy?

  • Flexible and accessible: 100% online, so you can continue working while earning your degree.
  • CPA and professional exam preparation: Get built-in academic preparation for certification through coursework that aligns closely with the four sections of the CPA exam.
  • Experienced faculty: Learn from practicing accountants and faculty with deep professional and academic expertise.
  • Capstone integration: At the end of the program, turn what you’ve learned into practical application to get ready for professional exams and workplace leadership.

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What Students Are Saying

Teachers at Columbia College - every single one of them, every class I had - were so inspiring, they were so informative, they were so knowledgeable about the content that they were teaching, and were just so kind.

Cassidy Urie '17

Curriculum Overview

This 30-credit program blends foundational accounting and business coursework with focused preparation for CPA certification and leadership responsibilities.

Core Courses
27 credit hours
Deepen your understanding of managerial analytics, economics, and finance, as well as advanced accounting techniques in taxation, auditing, and financial and managerial accounting.

Electives
3 credit hours
Choose one course related to Information Systems, Ethics, or Organizational Theory, or complete a capstone experience to tailor your learning toward your career goals.

Seminar
The Integrative Accounting Seminar (ACCT 590) serves as the culminating experience for this program, synthesizing all major accounting domains. The seminar reinforces knowledge tied to the CPA exam’s four core content areas and strengthens students’ ability to apply advanced concepts in professional settings.

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Accreditation

Logo for Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation

Columbia College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Admission Details

In addition to a cumulative undergraduate 3.0 GPA and the five general MBA prerequisites, admission to the MS in Accountancy program requires the following undergraduate prerequisites with grades of B or higher* in order to be considered for full admission:

  • ACCT 381 Federal Income Tax-Individuals
  • ACCT 382 Intermediate Accounting I
  • ACCT 383 Intermediate Accounting II
  • ACCT 385 Accounting Information Systems
  • ACCT 386 Cost and Managerial Accounting
  • ACCT 489 Auditing I

*Exception: one grade of C in any of the 11 undergraduate prerequisite courses is acceptable.

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) degree program is not available to residents in the state of Utah.

Upcoming Academic Sessions Classes Start
Early Spring Session January 12, 2026
Late Spring Session March 9, 2026
Early Summer Session May 4, 2026

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Tuition and Aid

At Columbia College, we believe a quality graduate degree should be within reach. Our tuition is competitively priced among private, nonprofit colleges, and there are no hidden fees, ever. With financial aid, military tuition assistance, employer reimbursement programs, and more, our financial aid advisors are ready to help you explore options and make your degree affordable.

Straightforward Pricing
Our grad programs cost $585 per credit hour. Tuition is transparent here — with zero hidden fees, ever.

Tuition Details

Generous Financial Aid
Scholarships, payment plans, loans, and more are available to all. We'll help you find the assistance you need to budget confidently.

Affordability at CC

Reduced Tuition for Partnership Organization Employees
We partner with hundreds of companies and organizations to offer 15% off tuition to employees and their families.

Participating Organizations

Why Students Love Learning Online at Columbia College

We’ve been leading the way in flexible learning options since 2000. Our students are all over the world living their real lives, holding down jobs, and caring for others while learning their way to something better.

Here’s what you can expect from an online degree at CC:

  • Flexible coursework designed to help you create your future on your terms
  • Interactive courses using modern, industry-standard tools for hands-on learning
  • Personalized support from experienced faculty through regular virtual check-ins
  • A connected global community of 100,000+ students and alumni

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Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for a range of advanced roles like Certified Public Accountant (CPA)*, Auditor, Tax Specialist, Financial Analyst, Corporate Accountant, Accounting Manager or Controller, Cost or Budget Analyst, and more. The program’s strong alignment with CPA exam domains and its emphasis on advanced analytical and managerial skills position graduates for immediate impact and long-term career advancement.

*Licensure requirements vary by state; students should verify their state's regulations.

Where You Can Take Classes

At Columbia College, our flexible options make it easy to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue your education wherever life takes you. Many of our degrees are offered 100% online. If you prefer a traditional classroom experience, you can attend selected classes at our nationwide locations or at our main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at all locations will engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree.

Online Programs

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Classes Available In Seat

Main Campus Graduate

because a future built by you is a future built for you.

Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them — that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.