Master's in Accounting

Be more than a number—be a difference maker with your master’s degree from Sacred Heart.

Today’s global economy, changing regulations and tighter integration across key business functions have created an unprecedented demand for skilled accountants with advanced degrees.

Here's why you need a master’s degree in accounting from Sacred Heart University

Our Master of Science in accounting (MSA) is built for future-ready professionals like you—driven, career-focused and eager to bring real value to accounting and financial firms big and small, startups and growing businesses.

In this program, you’ll go beyond theory. You’ll gain practical skills as you work closely with expert faculty who are active in the industry. You will be prepared to confidently meet the evolving demands of the accounting profession, whether you pursue CPA licensure, forensic accounting or another specialized role.

Take advantage of Sacred Heart’s prime location in Fairfield County, within easy reach of New York City and gain access to meaningful internships and job opportunities. Many of our graduates secure internships and full-time positions with the Big Four accounting firms.

Learn more about tuition rates and payment options for the MSA program.

Explore Two Career-Focused Concentrations

Forensic Accounting

Forensic accounting combines accounting with investigation. The forensic accounting concentration teaches you how to spot, investigate and prevent financial fraud and wrongdoing. By studying real-life cases in fraud detection, compliance and legal support, you'll learn how professionals examine financial transactions, identify problems and encourage ethical financial practices in private and public organizations.

Tax Compliance & Planning

Become the expert that clients rely on. The tax compliance and planning concentration gives you a solid understanding of state and federal tax laws for individuals and businesses. Through hands-on coursework and real-life examples, you’ll gain the skills to understand complex tax rules, make sure everything is compliant and help clients with tax planning and risk management.

In the master's in accounting program, you will:

• Develop critical thinking, analytical and communication skills
• Earn a degree that provides a proven edge in the job market
• Study in SHU’s Welch College of Business & Technology — one of the elite business schools worldwide accredited by AACSB International, the premier global accrediting body for business schools
• Learn from accounting faculty members who are recognized experts in their fields, as well as accomplished guest speakers who provide expert insight on the latest accounting and financial trends

Can I complete a master's in accounting while working full time?

Master’s in accounting (MSA) students at Sacred Heart University benefit from a unique hybrid format that supports your continued full-time employment. Online courses are blended with monthly Saturday seminars on our Fairfield campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The MSA program is a cohort model ideally designed and recommended for completion in one year. Part-time MSA studies are possible with six-credit terms over two years.

Dual Degree Program Options for Accounting Majors

Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs provide a defined pathway for incoming freshmen to move seamlessly from an undergraduate to a graduate degree.

The Bachelor’s-Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) 4+1 Dual Degree Program allows incoming freshmen the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in five years.

While some of our dual degree programs require specific undergraduate majors, others are open to almost all undergraduate disciplines. Apply to a dual degree program as an incoming freshman and you’ll have the opportunity to be admitted directly into the graduate program of your choice at the same time as your admission as an undergraduate student. Students are encouraged to reach out to your admissions counselor to discuss dual degree options.

Coursework

Coursework features a rigorous core curriculum in foundational concepts, along with two concentrations, that aligns directly with the new CPA model.

Program Benefits

Experienced Faculty

Our MSA faculty members are established scholars in the accounting industry. The MSA program will feature notable guest speakers who will talk about current and developing accounting topics.

CPA Exam Preparation

The MSA program will provide graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge that are tested on the CPA exam. At 30 credit hours, the master's degree, together with a bachelor's degree, provides students with the 150 hours necessary as part of CPA licensure.

Students may be eligible to receive Becker CPA review at no cost.

Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships

At Sacred Heart University, we understand that the cost of graduate school is a significant investment. Tuition information for all our programs is available online. Student Financial Assistance will work with you to explore all your options and to maximize the financial aid that you are eligible for. Explore our website for our financial aid process, listing of loans and financing options, scholarships, grants and graduate assistantship opportunities.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting professionals with advanced credentials typically earn from $80,000 to more than $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location and specialization.

Many of our graduates receive employment offers from "Big Four" accounting firms, large and mid-sized regional accounting firms, multinational corporations and government agencies. Career paths include:

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