Choosing a graduate program in accounting can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing career goals, CPA exam requirements and life outside of school. Boise State Online offers two background-tailored options: the Online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting, and the Online Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations for those without prior accounting experience.
Both programs lead to the same highly respected master’s degree, but the right path for you depends on your academic background and career goals. Higher education isn’t one-size-fits-all, and some students may have a combination of background experience or prior coursework that places them into either degree path.
If that sounds like you, here’s a more in-depth breakdown to help you determine which program best fits your needs.
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Who is Boise State’s online MSA for?
Boise State’s Online Master of Science in Accountancy is built for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or have completed the required upper-division business and accounting prerequisites.
Program highlights
- Credit load: 30-48 credits
- Flexibility: 100% online
- Timeline: Accelerated program that can be finished in as few as 12 months full-time
- Focus: Graduate-level coursework in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, data analytics and leadership
This program is streamlined for students ready to advance in their accounting careers or sit for the CPA exam.
Who is Boise State’s online MSA Foundations for?
The Boise State Online Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations, is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in a field other than accounting but want to transition into the accounting profession. It includes prerequisite courses — integrated into the degree plan — before students move on to graduate-level classes.
Program highlights
- Credit load: 33-48 credits, depending on transcript review
- Flexibility: 100% online
- Timeline: May take longer than a traditional MSA, but many students finish in two years or less
- Focus: Builds foundational accounting knowledge first, then advances into graduate-level coursework and CPA exam prep
With MSA Foundations, you don’t need to take extra prerequisites at another school. Everything is built into one seamless program.
Comparing Boise State’s online MSA vs MSA Foundations
Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Program Details | MSA | MSA Foundations |
|---|---|---|
| Background needed | Undergraduate degree in accounting or prerequisite coursework completed | Bachelor’s degree in any field, no accounting degree required |
| Cost per credit estimation | $750* | $750* |
| Credit requirements | 30-48 credits | 33-48 credits |
| CPA exam preparation | Helps meet the 150-hour requirement for licensure | Helps meet the 150-hour requirement for licensure |
| Who it’s for | Students with accounting background looking for advanced knowledge | Career changers or professionals in other fields ready to move into accounting |
* Scholarship options are available to qualified applicants, saving students up to 15% off tuition. Scholarship discount is applied incrementally per course, bringing cost per credit down to $638.
Which path fits you best?
In summary, if you’re already working in accounting or finance and want to move into leadership or sit for the CPA exam, the online MSA program may be the best fit. If you’re ready to switch careers or add accounting to your professional toolkit, the online MSA Foundations provides the direct, supportive pathway you need.
Learn more about the Online MSA Foundations
Earning an Online Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.