Master's Degree in Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting at Ball State University is a 100 percent, asynchronous online program designed to benefit full-time working professionals, regardless of whether they have a background in accounting or not.

Our flexible online delivery allows you to earn your Master’s in Accounting on your timeline while balancing your work and family life. By taking two courses a semester, you can earn your master’s degree in two years for less than $16,000 for Indiana residents.

Online Master's in Accounting for CPAs

If you're advancing in your career or transitioning to an entirely new career, Ball State's Master's in Accounting prepares you for accounting careers. Our alumni are highly successful in careers with accounting firms, corporations, government, not-for-profits, academia, or as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

What Skills Will I Gain with a Master’s in Accounting?

Throughout your course work, you’ll gain advanced knowledge across a wide range of topics including financial reporting, tax planning, accounting research, and financial analytics. Ball State takes a “real world” approach to learning, allowing you to immediately apply the skills you learn today to your career tomorrow. From the start, you’ll gain experience in accounting, statistics, and data analytics tools such as Python and Tableau, and rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.

Flexible Pathways for Multiple Careers

The accounting curriculum is designed for working adults and accommodates different academic backgrounds and career goals. There are course pathways designed for those with and without accounting or business backgrounds, as well as pathways for those aspiring to become CPAs. Ask the program contact, Allison Logan for more information.

Program Contact

Allison Logan, Assistant Director of Graduate Business Programs

 Calculate the Cost of an Online MS in Accounting

It's important to you to understand the expenses associated with your education. We encourage you to use our cost calculator to estimate the cost of your education and plan for your future.

Calculate Your Costs

Meet Our Accounting Faculty

Career Paths with an MS in Accounting

Ball State’s Master’s in Accounting prepares you for accounting careers with accounting firms, corporations, government, not-for-profits, and academia. In fact, the program has had a nearly 100 percent job placement rate in the last 10 years. Graduate Program Director, Sharon Huang, stays in close contact with the accounting alumni network. Ball State alumni like to hire Ball State alumni. Below are examples of job titles our alumni hold:

• Accountants and auditors
• Financial managers
• Budget analysts
• Credit analysts
• Payroll managers

Learn More About the Program Requirements

Ball State's Master's in Accounting includes 21 credits of core courses and 9 credits of electives, covering in-depth knowledge of professional accountancy.

Although acceptance into the program doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you might need to take up to four "Preparation Courses" before starting the master’s program. Some of these courses may be waived based on your academic, work, and/or professional experience at the program director’s discretion. Contact Allison Logan if you have questions.

Total Credits

You have an accounting (or equivalent) bachelor’s degree – 30 credits

You don’t have a bachelor’s degree in accounting – You will need the following additional “Preparation Courses” before starting the master’s degree:

• ACC 301 Financial Accounting and Reporting I (3 credits)
• ACC 302 Financial Accounting and Reporting II (3 credits)
• ACC 401 Federal Taxation of Individuals and Businesses (3 credits)
• ACC 451 Auditing Principles and Practices (3 credits)

For more information about the courses you’ll take, please visit the course catalog.

View Course Catalog

Will My Transfer Credits Count?

Ball State has a generous graduate transfer credit policy. You may transfer up to 9 credits toward the Master’s in Accounting.

Sitting for the CPA Exam

Many students wish to become certified as a public accountant (CPA) or obtain other accounting credentials such as CMA or CFE, or CIA. If you fall in this category, please check with the appropriate organizations, such as the State Board of Accountancy, to learn about the requirements for obtaining the certification.  

If you have any questions about the requirements for obtaining CPA or another certification, please contact the program director Sharon Huang.

Ready to Apply?

Review deadlines, admission requirements, and application materials, then start your application!

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Students from Other States

Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.