Master's Degree in Accounting
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The Master's degree in Accounting is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their careers in financial reporting, auditing, tax planning, or forensic accounting, and those aspiring to take on leadership roles in accounting firms, corporations, or government agencies. This program is especially suited for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise and prepare for CPA certification to enhance their career opportunities and earning potential.
Program Overview
The Accounting program at the University of Kentucky’s Von Allmen School of Accountancy prepares students for successful careers in one of the world’s leading professions. Known for producing graduates with a strong work ethic, deep knowledge base, and commitment to excellence, the program connects students with top employers through robust on-campus recruiting. Our curriculum is designed to position students for professional success, as reflected in a 95% placement rate by graduation and CPA exam pass rates consistently in the 90th percentile. Students also have the opportunity to further their education through the Ph.D. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, offered by the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSACC) degree at the University of Kentucky provides preparation for professional positions in public accounting, industry, and other organizations. When coupled with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and satisfactory completion of prerequisites of undergraduate courses in accounting, the MSACC allows students to prepare for the CPA exam while they complete their graduate courses which are offered in lock step with the CPA exam.
Accounting Majors can complete the program in 10 months while having the opportunity to study and sit for the CPA exam.
Non-Accounting Majors can complete the program in 14 months while having the opportunity to study and sit for the CPA exam. NON-Accounting Majors who apply will follow the Bridge Program sequence before applying to the program.
Our Accreditation
The Gatton College of Business and Economics has been accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business since 1926. Similarly, the accounting programs within the Von Allmen School of Accountancy have been accredited by AACSB International since 1988 soon after AACSB began offering separate accreditation for accounting programs. Accreditation by AACSB has been earned by less than 5% of the world's business programs and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing continuous improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver the highest quality of education to students.
Related Careers
The accounting profession includes a variety of career opportunities. Whether you decide to go into public or private accounting, your options are practically unlimited. Choose a career in companies of all sizes, where you can work in numerous areas, including auditing, taxation, financial accounting and reporting, management accounting, financial analysis, and governmental accounting.
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Our program now offers three Specialty Disciplines: Business Analysis & Reporting (BAR), Information Systems & Controls (ISC), and Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP) where candidates can specialize in certain areas consistent with the current CPA exam.
Specifically, the program’s objectives are to: Help students develop communication and technology skills expected in the accounting profession; Enhance the accounting knowledge of students entering the accounting profession; Enable students to develop both leadership skills and teamwork in researching accounting issues; Enhance students’ creative problem-solving skills and ability to think logically and analytically.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
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Undergraduate accounting GPA of 3.2 (out of 4.0) or greater, with at least a B in Financial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Auditing, and Taxation.
-OR-
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Any other undergraduate major GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or greater (non-accounting majors / Bridge Program)
- Transcript(s)
- Upload digital copies of your unofficial test scores and transcripts from all universities attended using the online application.
- Once admitted, official transcripts are required.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement: - In 800 to 900 words, discuss the reasons you wish to pursue a MSACC degree at the University of Kentucky's Von Allmen School of Accountancy. Please address the following in your essay:
- Academic preparation and accomplishments for graduate study
- Leadership qualities and motivation
- Previous accounting and/or relevant work experience
- Expectations for the MSACC program
- Your short-term and long-term goals and how a MSACC degree will help achieve these goals
- Any additional information you feel is relevant
- Resume
Application Deadlines
All Students
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Round 1
- 04/01/2025 Notification by May 9
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Round 2
- 06/01/2025 Notification by July 3
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Round 3
- 08/01/2025 International Students must apply by Round 3 Notification by Sept. 5
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Round 4
- 11/01/2025 Notification by Dec. 5
>90%
10
Time to program completion for Accounting majors
14
Time to program completion for non-Accounting majors
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
The Von Allmen School of Accountancy has limited funds available for outstanding students in the MSACC program. These partial scholarship awards are competitively based on GPA overall and in accounting. Candidates are automatically considered when accepted into the MSACC program and no separate application is necessary to be eligible for an award. Candidates can also apply for University of Kentucky sponsored scholarships.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
