Online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Boise State’s Online Master of Science in Accountancy prepares you for the CPA exam and the evolving demands of today’s accounting profession. Guided by award-winning faculty and supported by CPA pass rates that exceed national averages, you develop the advanced skills and professional judgment employers expect. Don’t have an accounting background? The Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations program provides a structured path to build the knowledge needed to pursue the degree.
Connect with a student success coach to learn more and request your free application waiver.
Next Application Deadline: April 15
Admission to Boise State Online is offered every fall, spring and summer semester. While the current application deadline has passed, you can still apply for an upcoming session.
Admission to Boise State’s online master’s in accounting program is offered every spring, summer and fall semester. All application materials must be received by the deadline to be considered for the program. You must apply separately for admission to Boise State University.
Program Details
Use the program detail cards to learn more about the Online Master of Science in Accountancy. Still have questions? Register for a free accountancy information session.
Get Ahead with an Online Master in Accountancy
Boise State’s Online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) is a 30-credit accelerated program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting and meet the required prerequisites. The 100% online program can be completed in as few as 12 months full-time or 22 months part-time, allowing professionals to advance their education while continuing to work.
The curriculum focuses on the skills accountants use most often in modern practice. Courses emphasize applied learning, real business scenarios and complex financial analysis, so you graduate ready to contribute in professional environments.
Accessible
Idaho residents and veterans receive a 15% scholarship. Additional scholarships are available through the university’s application process. The Department of Accountancy offers more scholarships than any other in the College of Business and Economics, allowing you to significantly reduce your costs. Some full-time students have funded their entire degree through scholarships.
Career Driven
Specialized courses such as corporate tax, advanced auditing and income tax prepare you for career advancement. You’ll graduate workforce-ready, with the skills employers value most, reducing the need to learn critical skills on the job.
Connection
Faculty with industry experience and strong professional networks help you make valuable connections, secure job placements and advance your career. The program fosters relationships that last well beyond graduation.
Why Accounting Professionals Continue Their Education
The accounting profession has changed significantly in recent years. Technology has reduced much of the routine work that once helped new hires gradually learn the profession. As a result, employers expect new accountants to interpret financial information, evaluate risk and make informed decisions earlier in their careers.
Continuing education in accounting allows professionals to develop those capabilities before entering or advancing in the field.
Students strengthen their ability to:
- Analyze complex financial data
- Apply accounting standards and regulatory guidance
- Evaluate business risk and financial reporting decisions
- Communicate insights clearly to leadership and clients
This deeper preparation allows graduates to move into professional roles with greater confidence and readiness.
Prepare For The CPA Exam At The Right Time
For many accounting professionals, earning the CPA license is an important career milestone. When students prepare for the exam while still engaged in academic coursework, they often find it easier to maintain study momentum and align coursework with exam topics.
Once professionals begin working full-time, however, studying can become more difficult as client deadlines and job responsibilities increase.
Boise State’s online MSA helps students build the technical knowledge needed for CPA exam preparation while they are still in an academic learning environment.
Accounting Programs Made for You
Boise State offers multiple paths to fit your accounting goals. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, the Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations program helps you build the prerequisites while earning your master’s degree. If you’d like to strengthen your graduate studies with accounting expertise, the Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations provides essential skills to expand your professional options. Not sure which path fits you best? Take our short program quiz to find your ideal next step.
Accreditation and Licensure
AACSB Accreditation
Boise State’s College of Business and Economics and the Department of Accountancy are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), putting them in the top tier of business schools and accountancy programs worldwide. Only 6% of business institutions in 56 territories and countries have earned AACSB accreditation.
AACSB Accounting Accreditation
Boise State is also one of only 190 schools that hold AACSB Accounting Accreditation. This specialized accreditation signifies that our program meets rigorous criteria and standards for excellence in accounting education across engagement, innovation and impact.
CPA Licensure
If you plan to take the CPA exam, please view the licensure requirements for the state(s) in which you wish to obtain your license. If you have additional questions, contact your student success coach.
Student Support
From application to graduation, students are supported throughout their journey at Boise State.
New Opportunities with a Graduate Degree in Accounting
Boise State University’s Online Master of Science in Accountancy is a distinguished, rigorous program preparing you for career advancement and the development of strong connections with faculty and peers.
Quality Education
The Online MSA provides the same rigorous curriculum as our on-campus program, ensuring students can receive a high-quality education from anywhere. With AACSB accreditation, our program is recognized as one of the top accountancy programs globally, placing graduates at the forefront of the industry. As the accounting industry evolves, Boise State’s expert faculty continuously adjusts course content to reflect emerging trends and best practices, ensuring you are always learning relevant, up-to-date material.
Valuable Investment
The Online MSA is an investment in your future. By completing this program, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of accounting principles and specialized expertise which will position you for career advancement. Whether you’re preparing for the CPA exam or seeking leadership roles, this degree will help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Flexible Learning
Designed for working professionals, this program offers flexibility that allows you to balance work, life and school. All coursework is delivered online, making it easier to complete your degree while maintaining your personal and professional commitments.
Online Master in Accountancy Statistics
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Hear From Our Graduates
Hear from three of our accomplished graduates about the Online MSA’s impact on their professional growth and success. Discover how our innovative approach to online education is shaping the future of accountancy professionals worldwide.
Alana Moore
“I ended up seeing [Boise State Online’s] accreditation and rankings compared to other universities. Obviously, with it being in-state, seeing they had a great Master of Science in Accountancy program and the price was good, it was the perfect balance. That’s what sold me.”
Kelly Shrike
“I am going for my CPA right now, so I am appreciative of all of my classes in audit. They are speaking directly to everything I am studying. The basic accounting principles are important. It’s definitely recognized in my field that having a master’s means you know what you’re doing.”
Tasi Lloyd
“People in the Foundations program are going to be like me, lacking in their accounting background. You just have to be confident the program will get you up to speed and where you need to be to be successful.”
Is the Online MSA Right for You?
In this video, Program Director Josh Filzen highlights information about Boise State’s Online MSA. Closed captions are available or you can access the video transcript online.
Master’s in Accountancy Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GMAT or GRE required for admission?
A GMAT score of 500 or above, LSAT exam score at least 150, or GRE scores of at least 152 for both verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections is required.
To be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- You achieved a cumulative undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.00 AND cumulative GPA ≥ 3.00 (4.00 scale) in all upper-division accountancy courses.
- You achieved a cumulative undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.00 (4.00 scale) AND two years of relevant professional experience after earning your undergraduate degree. (Relevant professional experience must be demonstrated in the personal statement and resume.)
- You possess a current CPA, Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Applicants should request a letter be sent directly to the Graduate College from the appropriate state board or national organization verifying their certification status.
- You earned an advanced degree (master’s, doctorate, etc.) from an accredited institution in any discipline with a GPA ≥ 3.00 (4.00 scale).
Should you meet one of those conditions, you would not be required to include GMAT or GRE scores in your application.
How long does it take to get an online master’s in accountancy?
Boise State Online MSA completion times vary, but it is possible to complete the program in as few as 12 months. It will depend significantly on whether you’re enrolled in the foundations or accelerated program.
The Online Master of Science in Accountancy is an accelerated, 30-credit program designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accountancy.
The Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations is a 33 to 48-credit program for students who don’t have an accountancy undergraduate degree but wish to enter the accountancy field or improve their accounting skills. Foundations students start with the six prerequisite courses required for the traditional master’s program to build a foundation before seamlessly transitioning into a graduate-level curriculum.
Our student success staff will help you forecast, plan and stay on track with your degree plan from enrollment through graduation.
Will “online” appear on my diploma?
No. Your diploma will list your degree as a Master of Science in Accountancy from Boise State University. The only “online” designation will be on your official transcript, not your diploma.
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, online learning has transformed how we pursue higher education. Online degrees are no longer a niche option; they’ve become a mainstream and respected path to earning a college degree.
Boise State Online isn’t just another online platform; it’s an authentic extension of Boise State University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Unlike stand-alone online schools, Boise State Online is an integral part of the university, offering an array of high-quality online degrees.
Read more about the history and success of online learning at Boise State.
What resources are available?
Josh Filzen, director of the Master of Science in Accountancy programs at Boise State, goes over what resources are available during your time in the program.
Can I take the CPA exam with this degree?
The online Master of Science in Accountancy is designed to strengthen the technical knowledge required for CPA exam preparation. Coursework builds advanced expertise in areas such as financial reporting, taxation, auditing and accounting analytics.
Many students also use the program to complete the 150 credit hours commonly required for CPA licensure. Students should review CPA requirements in the state where they plan to practice.
What careers can I pursue with an MSA?
Graduates pursue careers in public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, government and nonprofit organizations. Common roles include:
- Senior accountant
- Tax specialist
- Audit associate
- Financial analyst
- Accounting manager
The degree also can help position professionals for leadership roles later in their careers. See our career page for more information.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in accounting to apply?
Yes. Students without an undergraduate degree in accounting can enroll in the Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations program. This pathway includes the prerequisite accounting coursework required for the traditional MSA curriculum before transitioning into advanced classes.
Among The Top In The Nation
Boise State’s online programs are specifically created for online learning and offer the same support as our traditional degree programs. Our master’s in accounting online program is ranked #68 in the nation for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Accountancy Program News
We Bring The Blue To You
Students in Boise State’s online accounting master’s degree program can be found across the nation.
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Contact our enrollment and student success team for support by emailing us at OnlineMSA@boisestate.edu or calling (208) 426-5921.