Financial clarity is at the core of confident decision-making.
Advance your expertise and prepare for leadership in finance with a Master of Science in Accounting from University of Cumberlands. Designed for aspiring and early-career professionals, this MS in Accounting builds advanced skills for roles in public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, and taxation. As an accounting master’s degree, the program provides a strong foundation in financial reporting and analysis, auditing and assurance services, taxation, and accounting information systems, while also introducing in-demand areas like data analytics and forensic accounting.
Throughout this accounting master’s degree program, you’ll develop the analytical and professional skills to interpret complex financial data, assess risk, and support strategic decisions. With an emphasis on accounting ethics and professional responsibility, the curriculum culminates in a capstone experience that integrates key concepts and prepares you for real-world practice. Whether you’re advancing in your current role or pursuing CPA certification, this MSA degree helps position you for long-term career growth.
By the Numbers
$81,860
5%
#1
$10.4K
Programs & Requirements
Master of Science in Accounting
Advance your accounting expertise and strengthen your ability to make strategic financial decisions with a Master of Science in Accounting from University of the Cumberlands. Designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in accounting and financial management, this graduate program builds on foundational accounting principles while developing specialized skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, accounting research, and ethical decision-making.
Through graduate-level accounting coursework, students explore complex financial information, evaluate accounting practices, analyze financial data, and apply professional standards to real-world business challenges. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication to help students navigate evolving financial regulations, organizational needs, and accounting technologies.
Whether you're preparing to advance in public accounting, corporate accounting, financial management, or another accounting-related field, Cumberlands' master's in accounting program provides an opportunity to deepen your technical knowledge and develop the professional judgment needed in today's financial environment.
What You'll Learn
Students pursuing a master's degree in accounting develop advanced knowledge and skills in:
- Advanced financial accounting and reporting
- Financial statement analysis and interpretation
- Auditing principles and professional standards
- Federal taxation and tax planning
- Managerial and cost accounting
- Accounting research and analytical problem-solving
- Accounting information systems and financial technologies
- Financial risk assessment and internal controls
- Ethical decision-making and regulatory compliance
- Strategic financial management and business decision-making
- Professional communication and accounting leadership
Course Requirements
- BACC 532 - Strategic Management Accounting
- BACC 537 - Taxation of Business Entities
- BACC 539 - Advanced Accounting Information Systems & Analytics
- BACC 637 - Tax Research and Practice
- BACC 638 - Advanced Assurance Services
- BACC 640 - Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination
- BACC 642 - Data Analytics for Accounting & Auditing
- BACC 645 - Accounting Ethics & Professional Responsibility
- BACC 681 - Financial Accounting and Analysis
- BACC 695 - Accounting Capstone / Integrated Accounting Strategy AND
- BADM 699 - Capstone* OR INTR 599 - Applied Learning Practicum**
Notes:
*All online students who are seeking to earn this degree must take this course in lieu of INTR 599, in addition to meeting all program degree requirements. Executive format students can substitute the required INTR 599 course in lieu of this course as part of their program degree requirements.
** Executive format programs have an applied learning component (internship or practicum) that is an integral and essential part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, Executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment.
Take the Next Step
Mission & Goals
Our mission is to prepare you to thrive in today’s data-driven financial landscape. Learn how to make informed decisions, adapt to evolving industry demands, and act with integrity in professional practice.
Accounting Careers & Outcomes
*All stats from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Accountant: $81,860
Accountant: $81,860
Accountants prepare and examine financial records.
Budget Analyst: $87,930
Budget Analyst: $87,930
Budget analysts help the public and private organizations plan their financial strategies.
Personal Financial Advisor: $102,140
Personal Financial Advisor: $102,140
These professionals help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, and provide other related services.
Tax Examiner: $59,740
Tax Examiner: $59,740
Tax examiners determine how much is owed in taxes by individuals and businesses.
Bookkeeper: $49,210
Bookkeeper: $49,210
Bookkeepers help compute, classify, and record data to maintain accurate financial records.
Financial Manager: $161,700
Financial Manager: $161,700
Financial managers produce financial reports, oversee investment strategies, and develop plans to achieve financial objectives.
Common Questions in Accounting
Yes. An MS in Accounting can help expand your career opportunities, increase earning potential, and prepare you for licensure.
A graduate-level program that emphasizes advanced principles, practices, and decision-making in modern accounting roles.
With a Master of Science in Accounting, you can pursue careers in public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation, or consulting.
Most MSA degree programs take about 12–24 months to complete, depending on your schedule.
An MS in Accounting can strengthen your skills, prepare you for certification exams, and position you for leadership roles.
It’s commonly referred to as a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) or MS in Accounting; both phrases describe an accounting-focused master’s degree.
After completion, you can work as an auditor, accountant, financial analyst, controller, or tax professional.
A CPA refers to a certified public accountant, while a master’s in accounting refers to a graduate-level degree. Becoming a CPA requires passing a licensure exam. Earning a MS in Accounting requires completing required coursework from an accredited institution.
Many CPA programs are designed to prepare you to pass the licensure exam. A degree alone will not qualify you to become a licensed CPA.
Faculty Experts
Learn more about the accounting professors you will interact with in this program.
Dr. Joseph Krupka
Raymond McGhee
Raymond McGhee
Contact Information
Margaret Combs
Margaret Combs
Contact Information
Program Accreditation
The Hutton School of Business at University of the Cumberlands has received specialized accreditations for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page
Please review our Public Disclosure of Student Achievement.

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