How DePaul’s Online Master’s in Accountancy Helps You Build an Accounting Career
DePaul’s online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program is meticulously designed to cater to highly motivated career changers, ensuring a seamless transition into the field of accounting regardless of their undergraduate background.
With a curriculum specifically crafted for students without prior experience in accounting, the program provides the necessary foundation and knowledge to excel in this dynamic field, as well as expert faculty, valuable network connections and a seamless online experience.
Nestled within the vibrant heartbeat of Chicago's bustling urban landscape, DePaul’s online MSA emerges as the quintessential pathway for aspiring accountants who are ready to move forward and build stronger careers.
Program Details
- 100% online
- AACSB accredited
- GMAT/GRE optional
- 3 starts per year (Fall, Winter, Summer)
- 48 credits total
- 12 courses (8 core and 4 elective)
- Completion time: Can be completed in as little as 1 year (Full-time, 4 quarters)
A Perfect Fit for Career Changers and Accounting Beginners
Diverse Backgrounds Welcome
A Focus on Essentials
Flexible Online Format
CPA and Career Ready in a Year
Exploring an online Master of Science in Accountancy to propel your career forward? Begin your journey here. Fill out the form to receive information for DePaul University’s MSA program.
This will only take a moment
“You might be surprised what it entails to study accounting, especially if you’ve never taken accounting or any sort of business classes before. It is a lot more aligned with people who studied the humanities than you would think.”
Kelly P.
MSA ’26
A Streamlined Curriculum for Strong Careers
The MSA eliminates unnecessary prerequisites, unrelated electives, capstones or on-campus residencies, allowing students to focus solely on acquiring the knowledge and experience essential for their career transition.
Your Connection to Chicago’s Accounting Community
Located in the dynamic city of Chicago, DePaul University’s Master of Science in Accountancy program offers students unparalleled opportunities in the heart of the financial industry. You don’t have to live in Chicago to start building a professional network here.
DePaul’s online MSA combines the flexibility of online learning with opportunities to engage with one of the nation's leading accounting markets. Through career fairs, networking events, alumni connections, employer partnerships and programs like Executive-in-Residence, you gain access to the people, insights and relationships that can help shape your career long after graduation.
Tap into DePaul’s Extensive Blue Demon Alumni Network
Through the DePaul MSA online program, you'll seamlessly connect with accomplished professionals from diverse industries, opening doors to exciting opportunities and valuable insights. You'll also gain:
Extensive Network Access
Joining DePaul’s alumni community connects you to a vast network of successful professionals spanning various industries. With access to desirable firms and lucrative career opportunities, you'll find endless possibilities for advancement and growth.
Ongoing Networking Opportunities
Engage with faculty, students and fellow alumni through ongoing networking events designed to foster meaningful connections and collaborations. Stay connected with the DePaul community, exchange insights and explore new avenues for professional growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Distinguished Alumni Society
DePaul's School of Accountancy & MIS alumni society—Ledger & Quill—is one of the largest and most esteemed accounting alumni groups in the nation. Benefit from connections with alumni who hold top positions in corporations, public accounting firms, education and government, opening doors to unparalleled career prospects.
Exclusive Career Services
Take advantage of personalized career services designed to accelerate your professional journey. From individual office meetings with executives through the Executive-in-Residence Program to one-on-one career coaching sessions with experienced mentors, you'll receive tailored guidance to refine your resume, hone your interview skills and navigate your career path with confidence.
Skill-Enhancing Workshops
Participate in quarterly technology workshops aimed at enhancing your skills and preparing you for real-world challenges in the workplace. Stay ahead of industry trends and developments while acquiring practical knowledge essential for success in today's dynamic business landscape.
Core Course Highlights
ACC 500 | Financial Accounting
This introductory course in financial accounting lays the groundwork by combining theoretical concepts with practical applications. Students navigate increasingly complex scenarios, mastering the accounting model and information processing cycle.
Through detailed study and analysis, the course focuses on understanding the content and significance of:
- Income statements
- Balance sheets
- Cash flow statements
ACC 545 | Advanced Topics in Accounting Theory
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the following topics:
- Consolidations
- Partnership accounting
- Foreign operations
- Not-for-profit accounting
With a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, students gain mastery through problem-solving scenarios.
ACC 543 is a prerequisite for this class.
Learn Accounting From DePaul’s Expert Faculty
DePaul's MSA faculty ensures a top-tier education, bolstered by academic excellence. Students have the opportunity to learn from faculty members who bring diverse real-world experience to the classroom. With backgrounds ranging from former accounting professionals to industry leaders and distinguished researchers, these educators offer invaluable insights into the accounting profession, enriching the learning experience with practical insights and industry knowledge and provide the following:
- Real-world expertise
- Recognized achievements
- Industry connections
- Diverse teaching methods
- Rigorous and impactful research
Diverse Teaching Methods to Enhance Learning
The program offers a range of teaching methods designed to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. From interactive lectures to case studies and hands-on projects, faculty members employ varied approaches to facilitate student understanding of complex accounting concepts, ensuring an engaging and comprehensive learning experience.
Introducing the Online MSA Faculty
DePaul University: A Legacy of Tradition, a Commitment to Excellence
In the realm of accounting education, DePaul stands as a beacon of excellence, revered by prestigious institutions and industry leaders alike. With a distinguished reputation as a "target school" for accounting professionals, DePaul consistently draws top-tier talent and garners widespread industry recognition. Its acclaim is underscored by its designation as a favored recruitment ground by the Big 4 accounting firms, further solidifying its position as a trusted leader in the field.
The Big 4 accounting firms refer to the four largest international accounting and professional services firms:
- Deloitte
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- KPMG
Aligned with industry leaders such as Deloitte, the program is dedicated to cultivating a diverse cohort of accounting professionals, championing inclusivity and advancing equitable representation within the CPA profession. Through initiatives like MADE (Make Accounting Diverse & Equitable) and partnerships with prominent firms like KPMG, students gain invaluable exposure to real-world scenarios, preparing them to excel in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Take the Next Step for Your Future
Embrace the opportunity to transform your career and pursue your aspirations with DePaul's online Master of Science in Accountancy program.
Now is the time to apply and embark on a journey of professional growth and achievement. Join a community of driven individuals, guided by expert faculty and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DePaul’s online MSA designed for students without an accounting background?
How long does it take to complete DePaul’s online Master of Science in Accountancy?
How many credits and courses are required for DePaul’s online MSA?
Does DePaul’s online MSA require the GMAT or GRE?
Is DePaul’s online MSA AACSB accredited?
Can I work while earning DePaul’s online MSA?
Who is a good fit for DePaul’s online Master of Science in Accountancy?
Ready to take the next step?
Upcoming Admissions Deadlines
- Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of DePaul’s accountancy program. Data represents a three-year average. Page visited: November 2024.