Master of Science in Accounting
Prepare to pass the CPA with our Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business AACSB-accredited degree that is steps from Chicago’s business district. Whether you picture yourself as a CPA, Controller, Managerial Accountant or a different career in business, UIC Business’s Master of Science in Accounting degree helps you get there.
Why choose UIC Business Heading link
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Best Value Our No.1 Best Value ranking in Illinois gives you a high-quality education with an affordable investment.
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Flexibility Take your classes online, in-person or the right combination for your life.
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Powerful Network Our convenient Chicago location and 52,000 strong network gives you access to the companies and alumni to help advance your career.
Degree-at-a-Glance Heading link
Learn More Heading link
Why Earn Your Master's in Accounting at UIC Business? Heading link
With so many new rules, laws and regulations, it can be hard to be fully prepared for the CPA with only an undergraduate degree. The MSA from UIC Business will fully prepare you to sit for the exam, as evidenced by our consistently high pass rates.
Flexible Curriculum: We take into account the classes you’ve already had, so you won’t have to retake what you’ve already learned.
Meeting the Demands of New Technology: According to the American Institute of CPAs, the increase in business demands for highly technical accounting services has changed the face of the accounting workforce. UIC Business keeps you in demand by integrating the newest technology and methods into your coursework.
MSA Careers and Outcomes Heading link
Today, accountants are business consultants and advisors. Accountants interpret data and use it to provide financial advice. They are counted on to be the expert in how to reduce costs and increase revenue. Our program blends research with real-world applications to bring you a degree that gives you that edge sought by many firms as they identify future leaders, partners and executives. Recent MSA graduates work in the following areas:
- Certified Public Accountant
- Certified Management Accountant
- Government and Non-Profit Accounting
- Internal Audit
- Private industry
- Financial institutions
Master of Science in Accounting Student Outcomes Heading link
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100 % of recent MSA graduates were employed within six months of graduation
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75 k Average Starting Salary
Earning Your Degree Heading link
Credits and Courses
The MSA degree is 32 credit hours in length, plus an additional 11 courses for those without an undergraduate accounting degree.
Our MSA degree prepares you for professional careers in accounting in a one- to two-year program. It also prepares graduates for professional examinations, including the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and the CMA (Certificate in Management Accounting) exams. The UIC Business Graduate School MSA satisfies all educational requirements for the CPA
Tuition
UIC Business is part of a public research university, so tuition and fees vary by residency. Because our programs offer flexible options, our tuition varies based on the number of classes you are taking each semester. To calculate your tuition and fees, please visit the Tuition Information page.
Don’t forget, UIC Business offers scholarships and partial tuition waivers. Ask an admissions representative about our many options to help you afford your education.
Admissions Heading link
At UIC, we have a holistic admissions process that considers undergraduate record, resume, letters of recommendation and more. Please visit the Admissions and Requirement process page for more information.
GMAT/GRE
GMAT/GRE test waivers available upon request for all masters’ degrees.
Graduate Application Deadlines Heading link
Summer 2025 Domestic
Fall 2025 International
Fall 2025 Domestic
Master's in Accounting Joint Degrees Heading link
Master's in Accounting Degree FAQ Heading link
How do I apply for a joint degree program?
Joint degree applicants are required to apply separately to both programs, making sure to follow the application procedures/requirements for each program. We strongly encourage applicants to apply to one program at a time. We recommend applicants apply to their second program upon gaining admission and enrolling in their first program.
When applying to the second degree program, applicants are also required to submit the Change of Graduate Program form, with Section I completed.
We recommend that joint degree applicants work closely with academic advisors in both programs to insure proper sequencing of coursework and to assist in transferring application documents to the second application to avoid double submission of application documents.
Testimonial Heading link
“My experience at UIC was nothing short of exemplary. From the day I started my freshman year as a first-generation college student to finishing graduate school in 2021, I had the chance to meet some of the most diverse and bright people along with a world-class education. Additionally, I have a strong alumni network with meeting fellow alumni at both Deloitte and now Fannie Mae who are hardworking and passionate about what they do.”
| BSA‘ 20, MSA ‘21
Faculty Voices Heading link
The Master of Science in Accounting degree at UIC offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for successful careers in accounting and related fields. Students will develop technical expertise, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of accounting principles. The program is delivered by experienced faculty and includes opportunities for internships, professional development, and networking with industry leaders.
| Asst Professor, Director of Graduate Studies