Master of Science

Accounting

Build the advanced accounting and analytics skills needed in today’s accounting profession—in just seven months with CPA-aligned coursework.

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Program details

  • Commitment

    Full-time, 7 months

  • Entry Terms

    Summer

  • Visa Compliant

    Yes

  • STEM-designated

    No

  • Program Options

    Yes

  • Locations

    Boston

This program is ideal for

Accounting majors looking to level up before pursuing CPA licensure

Aspiring auditors or tax accountants seeking specialized expertise

Future MBA students looking to stack credits toward a D'Amore-McKim MBA

Application deadlines

APPLICANT FAQs
TUITION AND AID

Nov. 15, 2025*

Rolling decisions

Feb. 15, 2026

Rolling decisions

April 1, 2026

Rolling decisions

*Final deadline for international applicants needing a new F-1 or J-1 visa 

MS in Accounting portrait

An accelerated path to a high-demand accounting career

  • Complete your master's in just seven months. 
  • Designed for undergraduate accounting majors.
  • Build advanced accounting expertise and in-demand analytics skills.
  • Choose a focused track in Audit or Tax to match your career goals.
  • Learn from a curriculum shaped by top firms to meet evolving industry needs.

Program options

An accelerated master's designed for accounting majors 

Earn your master's in Accounting, and the 150 credits required to sit for the CPA exam, in just seven months. Designed for students with a U.S. undergraduate degree in accounting, this intensive program builds advanced expertise in accounting and analytics while offering two tracks, Audit or Tax, to align your studies with your career goals. You'll graduate ready to launch your career during the industry's busy season. 

Download program factsheet
explore Curriculum Map

You'll dive into 18 credits of advanced accounting courses that align with key CPA exam topics and put you on a path to leadership in public accounting. 

explore course listings

Tailor your experience with a specialization in audit or tax—two high-impact areas where you'll build deep expertise. You'll complete 12 credits of advanced accounting coursework aligned with your specialization to sharpen your skills and support your career goals. 

Audit track

Gain technical and interpersonal skills for a career in audit and assurance, with intense exposure to ethics, auditing research, and forensic accounting. Learn to evaluate complex data, assess risk, communicate insights, and build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.

View Audit track courses

Tax track

Develop deep expertise in tax law and strategy at the local, national, and international levels. Explore the intricacies of the tax industry, regulatory frameworks, emerging technologies, and planning techniques that keep organizations compliant and competitive.

View Tax track courses

At D'Amore-McKim, we excel at blending classroom instruction and academic theory with experience-powered learning. This approach broadens your knowledge, fosters creativity, and equips you to navigate the evolving demands of today's business world. From the moment you begin your program to the day you graduate, you'll gain valuable experiences that enhance your perspective and boost your confidence:  

  • Learn from renowned faculty who are seasoned practitioners and thought leaders
  • Study real-world cases that vividly illustrate course concepts 
  • Apply theories in the workplace for immediate, practical impact
  • NON Credit

    Black Graduate Club

    Connect. Empower. Lead. Join a vibrant community that empowers Black business students and professionals. Find support, leadership opportunities, and a space where you can thrive.

    Fill out the club's interest form
  • Non Credit

    Bloomberg Business Lab

    Get Bloomberg certified. Harness powerful financial tools to analyze real-time data, earn Bloomberg Market Concepts and ESG certifications, and compete in global team challenges.

    Learn more about the lab
  • NON Credit

    Commodities Trading Club

    Explore the world of physical commodities trading. Dive into energy, metals, and agriculture markets. Build industry-ready insights through simulations and expert-led workshops.

    Learn more on LinkedIn
  • NON Credit

    DATA Club

    Participate in real-world data challenges. Sharpen your skills with workshops on R, Tableau, Python, and more.

    Learn more about the club
  • for Credit

    IDEA Student-Led Venture Accelerator

    Launch a venture—or help one grow. Build your startup or mentor early-stage teams in strategy, finance, or marketing.

    Learn more about IDEA
  • NON Credit

    Female Leaders

    Lead boldly. Join a supportive network of women who challenge convention and lead with impact.

    Connect with Female Leaders
  • Non Credit

    Graduate Options Club

    Jump into options trading. Join students of all backgrounds and levels of experience to explore the fascinating world of options, derivatives, and risk management.

    Learn more about the club
  • NON Credit

    Graduate Consulting Club

    Build your path into consulting. Sharpen your case skills, connect with industry professionals, and grow as a leader through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on practice in a supportive community.

    Learn more about the club
Find more student clubs and organizations
Discover more career building opportunities

If you're also considering an MBA from D'Amore-McKim, the MS in Accounting can get you halfway there. If you maintain a 3.0 GPA and meet course grade requirements, you may be able to apply your 30 credits toward an eligible D'Amore-McKim MBA program for up to three years after graduation. If accepted, you'll qualify for the Double Husky scholarship—25% off your MBA tuition. 

Locations

Boston

At our flagship campus in Boston, you'll have opportunities to build your career and expand your network in a global innovation hub for finance, healthcare, technology, education, startups, and more.

Explore the Boston campus

Study in the heart of Boston

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Student voices

See all student stories
Portrait of Ian Duffey

Landing a role at a Big Four firm

“I was given case studies that emulated projects I would take on working in an accounting firm, allowing me to develop the practical and technical skills I would need after graduation. This experience provided me with practical knowledge that has made me more confident heading into my role at KPMG.” – Ian Duffey, MS in Accounting'22
MS in Accounting Portrait

From Memphis barbeque to taxation accounting

“By pursuing a master's in accounting I could specialize in tax accounting. I've always loved helping people, and in taxation, I can use my affinity for numbers to help clients.” – Emma Woodman, MS in Accounting‘21

Dive deeper

Faculty & learning

Our world-class faculty bring years of experience, innovative leadership, and global perspectives to their teaching and are dedicated to preparing you for success in a rapidly evolving business world. You'll learn from professors of practice with deep experience at Big 4 and top accounting firms, as well as from the nation's leading behavioral accounting research group.

Get to know the Accounting faculty
Explore learning outcomes

Professional licensure

Earning your MS in Accounting is a critical step toward CPA licensure and a career in public accounting. Many students begin taking sections of the licensure exam during their final term; ensuring they're well-positioned professionally to graduate in December during accounting's busy season. For information on where this program will help you achieve professional licensure, please visit Northeastern's consumer information website and review Professional Licensure Disclosure.

Email Angela Mittiga with licensure questions

Careers & support

You'll receive personalized career support from the Graduate School of Professional Accounting's student services team. They'll work with you one-on-one on professional goals and connect you with the right opportunities through their strong employer relationships. Through networking events and learning opportunities, you'll continue to grow professionally—both in and out of the classroom.

Alumni network

One of the most valuable benefits of earning your master's degree from D'Amore-McKim is the chance to become part of our elite alumni network—more than 62,800 members strong across 154 countries—who regularly connect through events, programs, services, chapters, volunteering, and more. As a graduate of the Graduate School of Professional Accounting, you'll also join a close-knit, 4,000+ member alumni community known for mentoring students and opening doors at top accounting firms.

Connect with D'Amore-McKim alumni
Engage with Northeastern alumni

International students

Northeastern's Office of Global Services provides the expertise and support you need to maintain compliance through your immigration, academic journey, and employment experiences—including any Curricular Practical Training deemed necessary or integral to your academic program and Pre-Completion and Post-Completion Optional Practical Training work authorization.

Visit the Office of Global Services

Applicant FAQs

To apply, log in—or create an account—on our application portal, choose your program, answer a few questions, and pay the fee. You'll need to submit:

  • Application form 
  • A personal statement (<=500 words)
  • Resumé 
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Academic transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
  • Virtual interview (by invitation only)
  • TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Passport or permanent residency card (if applicable)
Learn more about applying to D'Amore-McKim

Yes. This program is designed for students who hold an undergraduate degree in accounting from a U.S.-based institution. (Explore alternative pathways here.) You will need to have completed, or have a plan to complete, the following:

  • Foundational coursework in accounting and business from a U.S. undergraduate institution, including:
    • Financial & Managerial Accounting
    • Intermediate Accounting I & II (with U.S. GAAP coverage)
    • Auditing
    • U.S. Federal Income Tax
    • U.S. Business Law
  • General business coursework sufficient to meet CPA licensure requirements in the state where you plan to pursue licensure and employment.

While most students begin the MS in Accounting program in late May/early June, a September start is also available. This option follows a unique timeline, as no classes are offered during the spring term. Students who choose the fall start often use the spring to complete an internship or to begin taking the CPA exam. If summer enrollment isn't possible for you, the fall cohort still offers a strong path to CPA readiness and career acceleration.

Yes. International students must meet additional requirements, including proof of English language proficiency, a valid passport, and English translations of academic transcripts. Our international graduate students page provides more information about applying and the benefits of choosing D'Amore-McKim. 

Yes. When you complete your program, you may become eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which, if granted, allows you to work in the United States for up to 12 months. We encourage you to work closely with your career advisor and an advisor in the Office of Global Services.

Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business is currently test-optional and does not require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Yes. The D'Amore-McKim School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International—the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. 

Not sure if you need broad business skills or deep accounting expertise? Learn how an MBA, an MS in Accounting, or a degree designed for career changers can align with your goals and open new doors.

Explore the differences between an MBA and MSA
Dive even deeper into the differences

Wondering where a graduate degree in accounting can take you? From auditing and tax consulting to forensic accounting and CFO roles, explore the wide range of career paths a master's in accounting can unlock.

Dive even deeper into the differences
Find more answers to frequently asked questions

upcoming addmissions events

Dec 3

Join us for an informal and interactive Graduate Accounting “Faculty Hour” featuring current students and accounting faculty members.
Jan 10

Join us for an inside look at our unique graduate accounting programs, designed for both accounting and non-accounting majors.

Request more information

Whether you're ready to apply or just exploring, fill out this short questionnaire to join our contact list and receive timelines, updates, and event invitations.

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