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On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 
Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business
Accounting

Online Master of Science in Accounting (MS)

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams

About This Program

Develop the advanced knowledge needed to tackle complex accounting issues found in business, nonprofit, government, and private organizations with a Master of Science in Accounting from American Public University (APU).

APU’s master’s in accounting online program emphasizes theory and practical skills, while enabling you to enhance written communication and research capacities to address complex problem solving. Simulations and labs provide an immersive learning experience. The program ends with a thesis based on your research of a current industry issue. 

Our online master’s in accounting program has earned specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Successful completion may or may not satisfy the educational requirements for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Educational requirements for the CPA exam vary by state.

This program is not designed to prepare graduates for any state-issued professional license or certification and therefore has not been approved by any state professional licensing agency. Successful completion of this master of accounting may or may not satisfy the educational requirements for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Educational requirements for the CPA exam vary by state. Please see State Requirements for more information.

This program has specific admission requirements.

What You Will Do

  1. Research and appraise historic, current, and developing authoritative standards in accounting and apply them appropriately to complex financial transactions
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical framework for accountants adopted by professional accounting organizations
  3. Analyze, evaluate, and interpret financial information to facilitate managerial decision making
  4. Conduct an in-depth analysis of an organization's financial information and provide a written assessment of the results

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Accredited
ACBSP Accredited

ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Number of Credits
36
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$470 | $250*
$399.50** | $423***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5298

|
This course examines issues and functions that business managers face within the context of day-to-day operations and long-term planning for an organization. Topics covered in this course include the tools used in business operations, the global dimensions of business, financial statement analysis, capital budgeting, legal and ethical behavior, and economic analysis for decision makers. Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4807

|
A study of the techniques used to interpret and analyze financial statements effectively. Managers, accountants, investors and analysts often perform analytical procedure to learn more about what is being reported by public corporations. The viewpoint is that of the user of financial statements. This course is designed primarily for students who expect to be intensive users of financial statements as part of their professional responsibilities. Students must have access to Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel software.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5014

|
The primary goal of the course is to expand students understanding and application of auditing research, processes, planning, and execution. This course provides an in-depth analysis of a wide range of topics on auditing. Topics include audit reports, responsibilities, objectives, evidence, planning, legal liability, and ethics. (Prerequisite: ACCT400 or equivalent)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3906

|
An advanced analysis of accounting theory and practice designed to prepare the accounting major for complex problems that arise from partnerships, consolidations and mergers, receiverships, and governmental units. Also a study of the theoretical and practical approach of accounting, budgeting, reporting and auditing for governmental units, colleges and universities, hospitals and other not-for-profit organizations. Students must have access to Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Excel® software. Please refer to the Course Materials section for additional details on materials and pricing or contact booklist@apus.edu. (Prerequisite: ACCT608) Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Excel® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3907

|
A study of income determination and concepts for individuals with emphasis of the impact of taxation on personal and/or business decisions, advances student knowledge of research techniques, and understanding of the IRS tax code. Students must have access to Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Excel® software. Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Excel® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4808

|
This course covers the analysis of accumulating and reporting costs of operations, budgets, and other tools of management for measuring profitability of a business enterprise. Emphasis is given to the various cost systems like job order, process cost, standard cost, and variable costing. (Prerequisite: ACCT610)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4166

|
In this course students evaluate how organizations process and report accounting information in adherence to ethical standards and generally accepted accounting principles. Topics include accounting literature related to the accounting cycle, adjusting and closing entries, ethics, financial reporting & analysis, international accounting, auditing, taxation, and governance. (Prerequisite: ACCT610)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Choose 6 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4623

|
This course covers the knowledge and understanding of the financial reporting framework used by businesses, not-for-profit, and government entities. The financial reporting frameworks covered in this course include those issued by the FASB, the IASB, the SEC, and the GASB.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4624

|
This course covers the knowledge and understanding of the following professional standards: Auditing standards promulgated under U.S. GAAS [related to audits of an issuer (a public company), a non-issuer (an entity that is not a public company), government entities, not-for-profit entities, and employee benefit plans], standards related to attestation and assurance engagements, and standards for performing accounting and review services.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4625

|
This course the professional ethics issues relating to tax practices and based on the AICPA® Code of Professional Conduct, Treasury Department Circular 230, and rules and regulations for tax return preparers. Business law topics covered include the legal implications of business transactions, auditing, and financial reporting. AICPA® is a registered trademark of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4231

|
This course examines methods of international accounting concepts, practices, and issues. The course focuses on the accounting issues encountered by multinational companies engaged in international trade and invested in foreign operations. The course analyzes the global financial environment, foreign exchange market, foreign exchange risks, global financing and investment decisions. (Prerequisite: ACCT610)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4373

|
This course is a continuation of ACCT615 Individual Tax Research and Planning for students with an interest in continuing their study of Federal Taxation. The course will consider tax reporting issues for regular C Corporations, S Corporations, and Partnerships. A brief introduction to International Tax transactions and Federal Estate and Gift Taxes is included. Students must have access to Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Excel® software. (Prerequisite: ACCT615) Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Excel® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3908

|
This course is a study of forensic accounting with an emphasis on using accounting techniques in white collar criminal investigations. The course exposes students to criminology topics such as skimming, cash larceny, check tampering, billing schemes, payroll and expense reimbursement irregularities, non-cash misappropriations, corruption, and interviewing witnesses. The course advances student knowledge of auditing, financial statement analysis, and research techniques in the context of fraud. This course requires the student to purchase additional materials. Please refer to the Course Materials section for additional details on materials and pricing or contact booklist@apus.edu. (Prerequisite: ACCT609)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4626

|
A required capstone course that explores the rationale and structure of accounting theory including the concepts underlying current accounting thought. Students will conduct accounting research and complete a thesis that bears to their intended area of practice and facilitates a broadened perspective by exploring relevant technical constructs in a theoretical context.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Nov 2
Register by Oct 30
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

All APU master's degree and graduate certificate programs require you to have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

In addition, you will need to provide an official transcript of your completed bachelor’s or master’s degree showing proof of completion of this required coursework:

  • Auditing: 3 credit hours
  • Cost Accounting or Managerial Accounting: 3 credit hours
  • Individual Federal Taxation: 3 credit hours
  • Intermediate Accounting: 6 credit hours

Preadmission courses must be grade C or better at the undergraduate level; B or better at the master’s level.

Students are required to take BUSN604 as their first required course. If you have a bachelor's degree that is accredited by ACBSP, AACSB, or IACBE, you are NOT required to take the course listed above, and instead may take one graduate-level elective course.

Students pursuing the Government Accounting Concentration will need to have credit for ACCT410 – Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting as it is prerequisite for ACCT614 – Government & Non-Profit Accounting.

You will also be required to submit a signed statement of understanding (SOU).

Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation including a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students).

There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.

An APU admissions representative will contact you with further details about how to submit the required documentation after you complete the enrollment application.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or info@apus.edu.

State Requirements

For more information on CPA educational prerequisites applicable to you, please see the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website or select your state from the drop down list for more information.

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course 

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.