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Online Master’s in Accounting Program Guide
Modern accounting processes and strategies grow in complexity and efficiency each year. With more cross-functionality between accounting services and finance, marketing, and sales, modern accountants must be prepared to develop a multifaceted skill set to navigate the demands of the field.
Maryville University recognizes the need for flexible accounting programs informed by modern accounting processes. That’s why our 100% online master’s in accounting features an updated curriculum that can prepare you for the latest trends and developments in the accounting world, including the updated CPA exam that will take effect in 2024. In our program, a faculty of professional leaders helps you develop the practical, business-centric financial skill set you need to evolve with this exciting field.
Start your journey
At a glance
Study 100% online with no campus residency requirements
Graduate in as few as 10 months, or benefit from our bridge program if you don’t have an accounting background
No GRE/GMAT required
Prepare for the CPA exam with Becker CPA preparation classes and a curriculum designed to keep up with the latest trends, changes, and developments
Choose from three tracks: Business Analysis and Reporting or Information Systems and Controls
Satisfy the education requirements to sit for the CPA licensure exam
Curriculum
As technologies and regulations continually advance, you’ll want to be sure you’re constantly evolving your skills to stay ahead. Our online master’s in accounting can help you do just that. In fact, we’re already prepared for the upcoming changes in the CPA exam — so when you earn your accounting degree from Maryville, you can be sure you’re learning the most up-to-date, relevant skills and information to help you thrive in the field of accounting. Our program features flexible and industry-relevant courses designed to provide you with the latest strategic accounting and financial skills — while also helping you build a solid business foundation.
No accounting background? No problem. Our degree also features a bridge program for non-accounting professionals interested in making the switch to this growing field. This is a series of additional courses designed to teach you all you need to know about accounting, finance, economics, business law, and statistics — and even to help you prepare for the CPA exam. Not only that, but you can further specialize your educational experience with one of three accounting tracks: Business Analysis and Reporting or Information Systems and Controls.
Bridge Program
Admission Prerequisite: BUS-501, Survey of Business, will be required if your undergraduate degree was outside the area of business; however, credits earned in foundational courses (such as BUS 501) are considered prerequisites to courses required for the graduate degree.
Note: Students who plan to practice in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, South Dakota, Utah or Washington must take one additional general business course as part of the bridge program, defined as a business course that maps or transfers into the John E. Simon School of Business. Students who plan to practice in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Rhode Island, or Texas must take two additional general business courses
- ACCT 210 Financial Accounting
- ACCT 211 Managerial Accounting
- ACCT 309 Advanced Managerial Accounting
- ACCT 313 Individual Income Tax
- ACCT 315 Financial Data Analytics
- ACCT 318 Financial Reporting I
- ACCT 319 Financial Reporting II
- ACCT 415 Accounting Information Systems
- ACCT 423 Auditing
- BUS 241 Business Statistics
- BUS 280 Business Law
- ECON 203 Principles of Economics
- FIN 312 Principles of Finance
Core Accounting Courses (15 credit hours)
- ACCT 555 Ethics and Professional Responsibilities for Accounting
- ACCT 650 Accounting Research & Communication
- ACCT 670 Advanced Auditing*
- ACCT 671 Advanced Accounting, Not-For-Profit and Data Analytics*
- ACCT 673 Advanced Tax Foundations*
- ACCT 674 Advanced Financial Accounting & Reporting*
- ACCT 675 Advanced Audit and AIS*
- ACCT 676 Advanced Accounting Regulation*
Business Analysis and Reporting Track Courses (15 credit hours)
- ACCT 615 Accounting for Governmental and Non-Profit Entities
- ACCT 661 Financial Reporting III
- ACCT 620 Financial Statement Analysis
- ACCT 661 Advanced Data Analytics
- ACCT 672 Advanced Business Environment & Concepts*
- ACCT 678 Advanced Business Analysis and Reporting*
Information Systems and Controls Track Courses (15 credit hours; coming spring 2023)
- ACCT 625 IT Audit
- ACCT 661 Advanced Data Analytics
- ISYS 600 Controls for Effective Cyber Defense
- ISYS 686 Cybersecurity Incident Response and Examination
- ACCT 672 Advanced Business Environment & Concepts*
- ACCT 679 Advanced Information Systems and Controls*
- ACCT 672 Advanced Business Environment & Concepts*
- ACCT 677 Advanced Tax Compliance and Planning*
*Courses that incorporate Becker preparation material will have an additional fee
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry demands.
Admission Requirements
General
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- 3.0 cumulative GPA required for full admission
- Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may be considered for conditional admission
- Official transcripts required for all institutions previously attended
- 500-word minimum personal statement required
- Resume (optional)
- No GMAT, GRE, or letters of recommendation required
Bridge Program Students
Students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-accounting field may be required to complete bridge courses before starting our online master’s in accounting program to ensure they have educational qualifications and knowledge to sit for the CPA exam.
- Bridge courses must be completed before beginning required courses.
- Bridge courses may be waived via transfer of credit if the applicant demonstrates completion from an accredited university with a grade of C- or better.
- Students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting may also be required to take bridge courses if those courses are missing from the student’s degree.
Explore our additional resources to help guide your admissions journey.
Accreditation and rankings
Why Maryville Online?
We’ve been progressively challenging the norms of higher education for nearly 150 years. We started as one of the first universities to educate women. Today, we continue to push the boundaries and prepare students like you for a digital world. At Maryville, we understand what it takes to step beyond your comfort zone.
Maryville University is a nationally ranked private college recognized for comprehensive and innovative education focused on student learning, outcomes, and success — both online and on campus. We’re located just 22 miles from downtown St. Louis.
Enhance your skills. Broaden your career.
Top 6 skills you can develop:
- Tax Planning and Decision-Making
- Accounting for Governmental and Nonprofit Entities
- Data Analytics
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Financial Reporting
- Auditing
Top 6 careers you can pursue:
- Actuary
- Auditor
- Budget Analyst
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
- Financial Manager
Start your journey today
Learn more about the Maryville University online master’s in accounting.