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Master of Science in Accountancy — Should You Pursue It?

A student works on accounting homework.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountancy and auditor jobs are expected to grow by 7% between the years 2020 and 2030. Each year, there will be 135,000 openings for accountants and auditors. These openings are expected to be from replacing retiring accountants and auditors, filling new positions in new companies and replacing workers who move to a new industry. Looking to join this quickly growing field? Earning a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) from Boise State University can help you get there!

U.S. News and World Report ranks accountancy 11th in Best Business Jobs and 42nd in their 100 Best Jobs category. Most employers looking for an accountant or auditor would prefer the applicant to have some training in accounting. By pursuing and earning a master’s degree, you will get real-world experience in the accounting field.

Flexible delivery and multiple entrance points

You can earn an MSA at Boise State either online or in person, making it easier than ever to become a certified public accountant or pursue countless other accountancy-based careers. The online program ranks among the top in the nation and allows working professionals to complete classes without attending in-person, on their own time and teaches skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace–a convenient way to get a quality education in accountancy.

For students who don’t have an accounting background such as a bachelor’s degree in accountancy, MSA Foundations program is an excellent place to start. You build a custom degree path that can be completed in as little as 12 months if enrolled full-time or 22 months with part-time enrollment The goal is to help more students earn a Master of Science in Accountancy and become licensed CPAs to advance their careers.

Learn how to get started

Prepare for the CPA exam with confidence

Boise State’s MSA and MSA Foundations programs are designed to prepare students for the CPA exam. In 2022, the programs were ranked number one by AccountingEdu.org based on the 92% first-time pass rate of students and graduates–10% higher than the next ranked institution. The curriculum in the online program, and the stellar staff and faculty, are focused on each student’s success.

Licensure may look different depending on what state you choose to pursue your CPA, and it is important that you become familiar with the requirements for the state in which you intend to take the CPA exam and expect to become licensed and practice.

Learn more about licensure and state requirements

Career opportunities in accounting

While the MSA degree gives you the knowledge and expertise necessary to take and pass the CPA exam, that’s not the only place an MSA can take you. There are a variety of jobs available to MSA graduates. These can include becoming a controller, a director of taxation, a chief financial officer, forensic accountant and many more. You will even learn the skills necessary to open your own firm or partner with others. The MSA program will prepare you for an exciting career in the financial services field.

Exploring the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent place to start investigating. They can answer all your questions about job outlook, work environment, and what CPAs, accountants and auditors actually do.

Learn more about accountancy careers

We’re here to help

When you’re ready to take the next step in your education, connect with a Student Success Coach who can walk you through the application process and answer any questions you might have about the program. They’ll help you discover if an online degree is the right fit for you and discover how far along you are with transfer credits.

Connect with a Student Success Coach

Getting started

Ready to take the next step into the field of accounting? Begin your application and enroll in the Online MSA program today!

Apply Now