Online Master of Science in Accounting Public Accounting
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Why earn a public accounting master’s degree from Strayer?
With a public accounting master’s degree from ºÚÁÏÍø, you can develop the knowledge and skills to help your organization make smart, ethical financial decisions. Gain an understanding of best practices in accounting and learn new skills that can expand your career opportunities.
Find your path in public accountant
Master the skills and tools to pursue public accounting in business and government with a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting, Public Accounting from Strayer. You’ll gain a strong foundation in business law and tax, auditing within a business environment and comprehensive financial accounting.
Skills you’ll learn in a Strayer Master of Science in Accounting, Public Accounting concentration
A Strayer degree can help prepare you for career opportunities in public accounting while offering support, flexible learning options and career planning every step of the way.
- Develop solutions to problems applicable to the federal taxation of individuals, corporations, partnerships, fiduciaries, estates and gifts.
- Perform functions of financial accounting, tax and audit for individuals and businesses.
- Apply various advanced financial management tools and planning and measurement methodologies to business situations and solutions.
Earn your degree from an accredited university
ºÚÁÏÍø is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) . ºÚÁÏ꿉۪s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 22, 2017 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.

Master of Science in Accounting in Public Accounting cost breakdown
- 12 courses, $1680 per course
- $65 technology fee each term
- $150 one-time degree conferral fee
- Additional costs for textbooks and supplies
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much does a Master of Science in Accounting in Public Accounting cost?
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much does a Master of Science in Accounting in Public Accounting cost?
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*Student is required to take two courses per quarter during disbursement period
PREPARING YOUR RESULTS
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Opportunities to save on tuition
$4K Alumni Master’s Scholarship
If you’re a ºÚÁÏÍø Alumni and ready to pursue a master’s degree, our Alumni Scholarship can save you $4,000. All you need to do is register for an eligible Strayer graduate program, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or greater and meet eligibility requirements.
50% off Master’s Scholarship
Enroll in two master’s courses, get 50% off tuition. Summer or fall 2025 term only.*
*Eligibility rules, restrictions and exclusions apply.
Civic and Community Alliance Scholarship
Ready to earn an affordable Strayer degree? Admitted Strayer or JWMI students who are employed in certain civic roles or volunteer for a nonprofit may be eligible to receive 25% off tuition for the duration of their program.
What coursework do you need to specialize in public accounting?
Coursework in this program covers business law, tax and accounting concepts to help prepare you to understand the fiscal, legal and managerial implications of your decisions – and those of your employer. You’ll analyze financial records, review fiscal regulations and assist with tax reviews and preparation. .
Sample courses
Address advanced topics in the business law and tax environment. Discuss business ethics; business law; the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC); and federal income, estate and gift taxation. Analyze accounting information and make recommendations orally and in writing. Topics include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Code of Professional Conduct; ethics and responsibilities in tax practice; legal responsibilities and liabilities; agency and contracts; debtor-creditor relationships; the federal government’s regulation of business; and the federal taxation of individuals, corporations, S corporations, partnerships, fiduciaries, estates and gifts.
This course covers advanced topics in auditing and the general business environment for students pursuing a career in public accounting. Concepts covered include attestation engagements and advanced accounting functions affecting businesses. Students analyze advanced audit and accounting information and make recommendations both orally and in writing. Topics include auditing procedures, domestic generally accepted auditing standards, audit reports, other attestation reports, other professional services, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the nature of business structures, the analysis of economic concepts used in business, advanced aspects of the financial management of a business, information technology issues in business, and the accounting planning and management functions of a business.
This course covers advanced topics in financial accounting for students pursuing a career in public accounting. Concepts covered include complex accounting functions affecting businesses. Students analyze financial accounting and financial reporting information and make recommendations both orally and in writing. Topics covered include concepts and standards; financial statements; income statement items; financial statement disclosure; cash and inventories; receivables; inventories; property, plant, and equipment; intangibles and other assets; payables and taxes; employee benefits; long-term liabilities; leases and contingencies; equity; business combinations; foreign currency issues and other topics; governmental concepts; fund accounting and reporting; and not-for-profit concepts, accounting, and reporting.
Prerequisite: ACC 403
Surveys in-depth analysis of current auditing issues, including professional standards and ethics, internal control gathering and documentation of evidence, and statistical sampling. Focuses on detailed analysis of audit programs and electronic data processing, as well as concepts concerning the financial condition and operation of commercial enterprises.
Introduces the student to systems analysis and application of information systems concepts to the accounting process and accounting models, both manual and automated.
This course allows students to apply the knowledge gained in the program related to financial and managerial accounting, forensic accounting and auditing concepts. The students will apply critical thinking and decision-making skills to real world business cases involving complex accounting decision through analysis, synthesis, prescription and application of accounting concepts.
A grade of B or higher is required for satisfactory course completion.
Apply for your Public Accounting degree today
An admissions officer can help you choose the right program, register for classes, transfer credits and find cost-savings opportunities.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
A completed application and enrollment agreement
Proof of a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 out of 4.0
Official copies of transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
A valid, current and legible government-issued photo ID
Fall classes start on October 6
Learn more about ºÚÁÏ꿉۪s admissions process.
Transferring to Strayer from another university?
Transfer up to four eligible classes from a prior college or university to your master’s degree, saving time and money.
Strayer welcomes international students
ºÚÁÏÍø is proud to have hosted more than 3,000 international students from over 110 countries. Earn your degree in the U.S. or completely online in your home country – it’s your choice.
Campus locations
Come to a campus near you for guidance and support. You’ll have access to helpful resources, a supportive community and plenty of spaces to learn and grow.
Ready to take the next step?
Your admissions officer is here to guide you through every step of the process, from completing your application to choosing your concentration.