Accounting

Overview

An innovative curriculum. Award-winning faculty. Outstanding career guidance.

Our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program prepares students for rewarding careers in all facets of the field, from nonprofit to forensic accounting. There is a STEM option for this degree

Whether you're advancing your career, transitioning to a new one, or just starting out, the MSA program will put you on track to compete in a flourishing field – one that's projected to increase by 22 percent in the next decade. The MSA curriculum focuses on various accounting topics - including auditing, forensic investigation, business ethics, information systems, and more - to develop the leadership qualities and data-utilization skills you'll need to excel in the industry.

Diverse Experiences with Real-World Practioners

The Kogod MSA faculty are real-world practitioners who bring their diverse experiences and unique business backgrounds to the classroom.

The MS accounting faculty uses experiential exercises and integrated projects to teach you the principles of business accounting. Our talented department will provide personal attention to help you analyze the accounting world from every angle.

Prominent accounting experts from the "Big Four" firms are regular guest speakers.

Specialize your coursework

The MSA program is between 30-37.5 credits, depending upon your prior academic experience in Accounting. Full-time students typically complete the program in 1-1.5 years. Part-time students typically complete the program in 2+ years. Courses generally meet once per week in time slots of 5:30 pm-8:00 pm and occasionally 8:20 pm-10:50 pm.

Courses are grouped into three types: business foundations, core accounting, and electives. With input from you, the program director will prepare an individualized program plan for you based on your prior academic experience. Students with an accounting background can choose from a range of courses in financial reporting and assurance, forensic accounting, or taxation. And all students select elective courses to supplement their specialty- as well as take part in internships and leadership opportunities.

Graduates emerge from the master's program well-prepared for the CPA exam, and, most importantly, a successful career.

Learning in a Prime Location

With a high success rate for full-time employment, the MSA program sets you up for a job outcome that fits your goals.

AU's location in the nation's capital offers students access to extensive accounting internship and employment opportunities across the corporate, non-profit, and government sectors. With a specialized accounting focus of your choice, you'll pursue positions that match your interests.

Both full-time students and working professionals, take full advantage of the connected Washington, DC-based alumni network. Accounting career preparation is also aided by our well-connected Kogod Center for Business Communication and the Office of Career Engagement.

MSA graduates excel in various accounting, auditing, and budgeting roles, including supervisor, and managerial positions.

Casey Evans believes what sets Kogod’s MS Accounting (MSA) program apart is its inclusivity. “You don’t need any accounting experience before you get your master’s at Kogod,” says Evans, MSA program.

Admission

The application for admission to all Kogod graduate degree programs and graduate certificate programs is only available online. To begin the application process, please create an account along with a username and password. These credentials will provide access to your online application along with a personalized information page throughout the admissions process.

As you complete your application, we recommend saving changes on each page as you work. Once you submit your application, your responses will remain final, but you can still access your personalized information page to check on missing items.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, your completed application, as well as all required documents and test scores, should be on file in the Kogod Graduate Admissions Office by the dates outlined below.

When a decision is made, you will receive an email notifying you that a decision is available. Your decision letter will be available through your personalized information page.

Steps to apply

• Create Your Application Profile
• Submit Your Application & Pay Application Fees
• Submit Supporting Documents
• Receive Confirmation Your Application is Complete
• Complete your Admissions Interview (if applicable)

Requirements

• Work Experience
• Current Resume
• Statement of Purpose Essay
• Letter of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• GMAT/GRE Score (optional)
• Interview (by invitation only)
• Application Fee & Enrollment Deposit

Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who do not meet the English Proficiency Test Waiver requirements outlined below must demonstrate English language proficiency through completion of one of the following exams within the last two years. 

• TOEFLA minimum required score of 100 or higher is required for the internet-based test (IBT)Submit official scores to code 5007 through the testing center. Unofficial test scores may be uploaded into the supplemental items section of the application and used to make an application decision, but the official score report is required before the start of the academic term.
• IELTSA minimum score of 7 or higher is required. Unofficial test scores may be uploaded into the supplemental items section of the application and used to make an application decision, but the official score report is required before the start of the academic term.Official scores must be submitted by having the testing center mail the scores using one of the mailing methods below. 
• DuolingoA minimum score of 120 or higher is required for the internet-based test (IBT).Official scores must be submitted through the Duolingo website. Unofficial test scores may be uploaded into the supplemental items section of the application and used to make an application decision, but the official score report is required before the start of the academic term.

Jacob Spector admits Kogod’s MS Accounting (MSA) program was rigorous, but that it’s paying off now. “Ernst & Young, my current employer, tell me they’re surprised at some of the knowledge I have,” says Spector, MSA alumus. “That’s all knowledge I gained right here at American.”

Career Outcomes

Alumni of the MSA program work for a variety of companies in a wide range of positions, including, but not limited to:

• Deloitte/Deloitte & Touche
• EY
• KPMG
• PwC
• CohnReznick
• Fannie Mae
• FTI Consulting
• International Monetary Fund
• Navigant Consulting
• SC&H Group

The Kogod Office of Career Engagement

The Office of Career Engagement empowers students and alumni to build meaningful relationships and careers. We provide the guidance, skills, and networking opportunities to turn aspirations into meaningful outcomes.

Students receive one-on-one guidance on relationship building, transitioning to new business jobs, crafting their resumes, and utilizing social media in their job searches. We also partner with employers to connect them with students and alumni who align with their professional needs.

The Office of Career Engagement helps build the path from a passion for success, helping students, alumni, and employers make informed and intentional career decisions. 

Job searchInternshipsOther resources

• AU Job and Internship Fair
• Handshake
• NACE Salary Calculator
• Participating Employers
• Events
• On-Campus Employment for Students

• Postings for Graduate Students
• Postings for Undergraduate Students

• Business Cards
• Online Toolkit

Updates

The Kogod Office of Career Engagement will continue to support our students’ career development while maintaining their safety and well-being by moving our services online. To best provide access to our services and resources over the next few weeks, we will implement the following changes:

• All career advising appointments will be conducted virtually. Handshake appointment confirmations will contain a Zoom link for your meeting. If you have difficulty locating the Zoom link or scheduling an appointment, contact kogodcareers@american.edu for assistance.
• We are moving upcoming workshops online and will update the event details in Handshake accordingly.
• Our Employer Relations team continues to work with employers recruiting Kogod students. Handshake will be regularly updated with available job and internship opportunities, and we will continue to host information sessions, panels, and other recruiting-related events virtually.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work through this together. Please check Handshake frequently for updates on programming and opportunities. We encourage students to continue submitting applications and expanding and engaging their professional networks. If you need help adapting your career strategy or have any other questions or concerns, please email kogodcareers@american.edu or schedule an appointment on Handshake.

Financial Aid

An AU education is affordable.

80%

of incoming students receive aid.

$100M

in financial aid awarded to undergraduates per year.

24

dedicated financial aid staff members. All incoming freshmen are assigned an individual counselor.

Need-Based Aid

Awards go to students with demonstrated financial need.

AU determines your need based on the information you provide on the required financial aid applications.

Merit-Based Aid (Scholarships)

All students who apply to AU are considered for most merit awards, including Deans' and Presidential, on the basis of their admissions application.

Student Employment

Income from work-study jobs is to be used exclusively for educational purposes. Award amounts vary; hourly wages are determined by the employer and job category.

Applying for Financial Aid

Forms to Complete

• Apply to AU
• Complete the FAFSA
• Complete the CSS Profile

What you will need

• Financial Aid School Codes (FAFSA 001434 and CSS Profile 5007)
• Parent and Student Federal Student Aid Identification
• Parent and Student Social Security Numbers
• Federal Tax Forms to include W2s, 1099, etc.
• Non-Custodial Parent Contact Information

"I felt encouraged to do what made me happy. My professors always focused on my individual path, rather than what I was 'supposed' to do."

Devon Wallick