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Master of Accountancy

Our MSA degree is available on-campus and online.

The primary role of the program is to prepare students for careers in public accounting as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The program focuses on the audit and attest functions of public accounting. The complexity of today’s business environment requires public accountants to have expertise in accounting principles and procedure and to understand the financial, managerial, legal, and tax ramifications of business transactions. The master of science in accountancy at Boise State University is designed to prepare candidates for a career within the broader framework of business decision making.

CPAs must also be able to clearly communicate with clients and affected third parties, and with employees. Because of their financial expertise, CPAs frequently serve as advisors for a broad range of business decisions. Students will develop their technical expertise and business knowledge needed to provide these services. Graduates of the program are expected to become partners and owners of their own public accounting firms.

Our graduate programs meet the needs of both full-time students and working professionals desiring a schedule-flexible, first-class business education.

  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty who possess valuable industry experience and PhDs from top schools.
  • The programs focus on working professionals to create abundant networking opportunities and a stimulating learning environment.
  • Our strong reputation and close relationships with the Boise business community provides graduates with a wide array of internship and employment opportunities.

There are now two ways to get your MSA degree at Boise State University–our traditional on-campus MSA program and our new 100% online MSA program.

On-campus MSA Program

Our on-campus MSA classes are offered through a combination of day and evening times. Classes are kept small so students can take an active role in their learning experience. How to Apply to On-Campus MSA Program

Emphasis in Information Systems and Controls (MSA – ISC)

  • The on-campus MSA program is offering a new emphasis area to meet the new CPA exam options.
  • There is no separate application for the emphasis – students can earn the emphasis by taking the appropriate courses as stated on the MSA-ISC checklist.
  • The MSA – ISC is only available to on-campus students

Students may also pursue a more detailed study of taxation through the Master of Science in Accountancy, Taxation emphasis.

Online MSA Program

Our online MSA program is offered 100% online for more information on the program and how to apply please go to Boise State Online – Master of Accountancy

All of Boise State’s graduate business degrees are accredited by the AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the gold standard of accreditation. No other graduate business program in the Treasure Valley has achieved this distinction.

Online Foundations MSA Program (for students without an undergraduate accounting degree)

The Foundations MSA program provides an entry point for prospective graduate students who don’t have an accountancy undergraduate degree. The 33 to 48-credit Foundations program will utilize the existing curriculum currently offered for our 30-credit online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program and will add foundational accounting courses designed to prepare students for the more advanced topics. The flexible, variable credit program allows students to build a master’s degree that includes the foundational accounting knowledge they need, without having to re-take courses already completed at the undergraduate level.

Learn more about the MSA Foundations Program.