Our accelerated MS in Accounting program will immerse you in advanced accounting principles—and give you the digital skills you need to be successful in an industry transformed by technology. You'll also develop a creative and innovative mindset that will help you thrive in times of change.
MS in Accounting Program Overview
Designed to build on your undergraduate accounting degree from a U.S. college or university, our accelerated MS in Accounting program deepens your expertise by offering coursework in advanced accounting topics and management best practices. You'll develop the innovative mindset you need to work in today's evolving industry—and uncertain economy—and data analytics skills will be integrated into your coursework. When you graduate in December, you'll be fully prepared to sit for the CPA exam and start your new career during accounting's busy season.
- Program Structure: You'll complete five advanced accounting courses as part of your core curriculum, and five additional courses in either audit or tax
- Class Schedule: Classes are mostly held in the daytime Monday–Thursday, with some weeknight evening classes, late May through December
- Time to Complete: Seven months of full-time study
MS in Accounting | Program timeline
Unique Features
95%
job offer rate for new domestic graduates
7
months to graduate
150
credit compliance
- An accelerated curriculum that allows you to earn your master's in just seven months
- Analytics skills integrated into your coursework
- A cohort-based program with small class sizes and powerful networking opportunities
- Courses taught by industry-leading faculty with years of experience at Big Four and other public accounting firms
- Two track options to focus your studies: Audit or Tax
- The option to apply your credits toward a future MBA at Northeastern once your master's degree is complete
- Lifelong connection to the Graduate School of Professional Accounting, which has close ties to top firms
- F-1 visa compliancy for international students for the Summer 1 term
Meet our students
Admissions
- GMAT/GRE required? Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business is currently test-optional and does not require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT scores. For more information watch this video, or review our admissions policies.
- English language proficiency: English proficiency, both written and verbal, is necessary for success in D'Amore-McKim classrooms. For more information, review our admissions policies.
- Prerequisite coursework? Courses in Financial & Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting I & II (with U.S. GAAP coverage), Auditing, U.S. Federal Income Tax, and U.S. Business Law are required.
- Where do I apply? Learn more here.
- Interview required? Interview by invitation only.
- What's the difference between an MBA and a Master's in Accounting? Learn more here.
- MBA or Master's in Accounting? Learn more about how to choose the best degree for you.
- Can non-business majors earn an MBA or MS in Accounting? Learn more here.
- What is the best master's degree for your accounting career? Learn more here.
MS in Accounting
| Application Deadlines | Decision Notifications | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 15, 2024* | Dec. 15, 2024 | Late May |
| Feb. 15, 2025 | March 15, 2025 | Late May |
| April 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis | Late May |
Tuition
Northeastern Student Financial Services publishes the tuition rates for the MS in Accounting program. Under the “Graduate Programs” section, the cost per credit appears next to “D'Amore-McKim School of Business Programs.”
Financial Aid
Northeastern's Student Financial Services team will guide you through options to help you finance your graduate education. You can learn more about graduate financial aid options on their website.
Once you become a student, your financial aid advisor will work with you to answer your questions, and provide valuable insight as you navigate the financial commitments of your program.
Scholarships
D'Amore-McKim and Northeastern University offer a variety of scholarships. You'll automatically receive consideration for a merit scholarship. You may also qualify for funding support as an alum, U.S. servicemember, veteran, or selection for the Latin American Achievers Scholarship or Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars program.
Application Fee Waivers
D'Amore-McKim offers application fee waivers to applicants that meet specific criteria. You can review the policy on the Graduate Application FAQ web page.
The D'Amore-McKim community believes that understanding and solving problems requires constant interaction among people who bring diverse contexts and experiences to the conversation.
We value uniqueness, recognize the power and importance of diversity in our own and surrounding communities, and ensure engaged participation. Numerous student groups (such as the Black Graduate Club and Female Leaders Club) and campus resources focus on building inclusive communities.
Northeastern and D'Amore-McKim offer and partner with organizations that provide scholarships and fellowships to foster diversity and inclusion. This program is eligible for scholarships such as the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program, Graduate Accounting DEI Fellows, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Graduate Fellowships.
Curriculum
You'll choose one of two specialties: audit or tax. The audit track will give you intense exposure to ethics, auditing research, and forensic accounting. The tax track will explore the intricacies of the tax industry and give you a comprehensive understanding of taxation at all levels, from local to international.
Before you get started
- Financial & Managerial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting I & II (with U.S. GAAP coverage)
- Auditing
- U.S. Federal Income Tax
- U.S. Business Law
- General business credits sufficient to meet CPA licensure requirements in the applicant's home state or the state where they plan to seek licensure and employment.
Core requirements
Accounting
ACCT 6203 | 3 Hours
Presents and discusses financial reporting practices for diversified, international business entities. In today's global business environment, many corporations operate diverse economic activities and often conduct those activities across geographic boundaries. Examines accounting and disclosure standards in the United States that are relevant to presenting consolidated financial statements. Also analyzes accounting and disclosure standards in other countries and those developed by international bodies with respect to their effects on reporting entities and the financial markets.
ACCT 6204 | 3 Hours
Examines the accounting and reporting issues facing multinational enterprises operating in foreign countries. Business transactions that are denominated in foreign currency may result in risk for the entity as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates. This course evaluates risk management techniques by use of forward exchange contracts and other financial derivatives. Covers reporting issues dealing with the translation of foreign entities financial statements into U.S. dollars and appropriate remeasurement techniques.
ACCT 6229 | 1 Hour
Ethics
Focuses on the roles and ethical responsibilities in the accounting, auditing, and tax professions. Also covers ethical behavior by management as well as the legal guidelines that apply in a business setting.
ACCT 6253 | 3 Hours
Financial Reporting
Focuses on the theoretical concepts of accounting with an examination of standards issued by various professional organizations including the FASB, SEC, and AICPA. Also examines emerging issues in corporate, governmental, and nonprofit financial reporting. Real-world cases are used to illustrate and discuss the complex financial reporting process and ethical issues confronted by the business community and accounting profession.
ACCT 6207 | 3 Hours
Covers business issues and financial reporting standards for state and local governments within the United States, as well as for nonprofit organizations. These organizations make up a large and growing share of the economy, and so it is important to consider whether the funds entrusted to them by taxpayers and donors are being used effectively. These entities have unique ways of reporting their financial results, based on their specific business purposes and the needs of their constituents. The course discusses these reporting methods and the use of the resulting financial reports in evaluating performance within the government and nonprofit contexts.
ACCT 6216 | 2 Hours
Select your track
In Summer 2 Term, you will take the required courses for the track that you have selected. You may choose between Audit or Tax.
Electives
Professional Licensure Information
For information on where this program will help you achieve professional licensure, please visit Northeastern's consumer information website and review Professional Licensure Disclosure.
For questions regarding professional licensure, please contact Angela Mittiga, associate director of graduate advising, by emailing a.mittiga@northeastern.edu.
The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Get in touch
Angela Mittiga
Learn more about our Boston campus
Upcoming Future Student Events
Graduate Accounting Immersion Day
Join us for an inside look at our unique graduate accounting programs, designed for both accounting and non-accounting majors.