Master of Science in Accounting
Master of Science in Accounting
Why Earn a Master of Science in Accounting at the Smith School?
Master Advanced Accounting Skills for Career Success
The Master of Science in Accounting prepares you to solve complex accounting and business challenges, uncover insights from financial data and use AI-powered tools to help organizations make better decisions.
You will bring your analytical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and attention to detail into a program that strengthens those skills and adds technical depth.
Get ready to learn from faculty with deep expertise in accounting analytics, cybersecurity, tax strategy and financial compliance. You’ll also build experience through case competitions, fraud investigation projects and service learning opportunities. That mix of faculty support and applied learning helps you move from classroom knowledge to career-ready impact.
U.S. News and World Report, 2026
Why Smith?
Develop advanced business knowledge through a comprehensive graduate curriculum.
Apply what you learn through experiential consulting projects with organizations.
Learn from faculty and advisory council members with experience across multiple industries.
Collaborate with peers through team-based projects and applied learning experiences.
Who Is the Master of Science in Accounting For?
Students Ready to Build a Career in Modern Accounting
The Master of Science in Accounting is designed for recent graduates from any academic background who want to develop advanced accounting expertise. Whether you're strengthening your accounting expertise or preparing for a new career in the field, this degree helps you move forward with clarity and purpose.
Many of our students are:
- Recent graduates from any academic background who want accounting knowledge.
- Students pursuing CPA licensure.
- Students interested in public accounting, corporate accounting, tax preparation or consulting.
- Students who want to build in-demand accounting and emerging technology skills.
- Students who value a practical, career-focused graduate program.
Students who bring transferable skills such as:
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Ethical judgment
- Networking
- Problem-solving
- Technical proficiency
If you want to build accounting expertise to enhance or complement your current education, this degree is designed to help you do exactly that.
What Will You Learn in the Master of Science in Accounting program?
How to Navigate the Modern Accounting Landscape
You will build accounting knowledge through coursework shaped by the expectations of top accounting firms. The program helps you understand how the different facets of accounting work together so you can solve problems with precision and confidence.
Students often gain experience and connections while in the program through Big Four case competitions, service learning projects, fraud investigation projects, TerpTax and a capstone course. You’ll gain exposure to the technology shaping modern accounting, like Alteryx and Power BI. With a balance of technical skills and newly gained accounting knowledge, you will be ready to contribute in roles that demand accuracy and sound decision-making.
With a Master of Science in Accounting, you'll be able to:
- Analyze financial statements and data systems.
- Apply accounting analytics and valuation methods.
- Strengthen audit, control, and fraud-detection skills.
- Use data-driven decision-making in accounting work.
- Understand corporate, real estate and individual taxation.
- Develop expertise in internal, external, forensic and automated auditing.
- Work with AI-enabled accounting tools and analytics.
- Build cybersecurity and information security awareness.
- Prepare for CPA licensure.
How Is AI Integrated Throughout the Curriculum?
Supporting Stronger Business Decisions
AI is introduced through electives and experiential learning opportunities. These opportunities help you understand how emerging technologies can support accounting, auditing and tax work. Our program also reinforces the importance of human leadership, communication and critical thinking.
Apply What You Learn
Smith’s advisory council adds mentorship, industry insight and professional connections throughout your experience. Advisory council members help students explore career paths, build their professional networks and better understand what employers expect from today's accounting professionals.
Career Outcomes
Launch a Career Built on Trust and Insight
The Master of Science in Accounting prepares you to step into accounting roles that value technical skill, ethical judgment and the ability to work with data, technology and clients. The program is designed to help you move into spaces where trust, accuracy and adaptability drive long-term success.
95% of Smith’s Master of Science in Accounting graduates secured employment within six months of graduation. These graduates report a median starting salary of $84K.
Source: UMD Smith Office of Career Services, Class of 2025
Career Paths
- Assurance and Audit Accounting
- Corporate Accounting
- Criminal Investigations
- Financial Consulting
- Forensic Accounting
- International Accounting
- Investment Banking
- Public Accounting
- Risk and IT Consulting
- Tax Accounting
- Technical and Scientific Consulting
Career Value
- CPA Exam Preparation
- Accounting Analytics
- Data-Informed Decision-Making
- Financial Systems Analysis
- Audit and Assurance Expertise
- Tax Strategy
- Ethical Decision-Making
- AI-Enabled Accounting Skills
Having a strong foundation in accounting principles made me more prepared for my job. Additionally, strong communication is necessary in jobs with quick turnarounds and many moving pieces. Smith prepared me to properly ask questions and communicate my thoughts.
Abby Benton
MS Accounting Graduate
Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Associate at KPMG
Learn From Experts Shaping the Future of Accounting
Faculty Supporting Your Career Growth
You will learn from expert faculty who bring years of research and teaching experience into the classroom.
Lei Zhou is the academic director of the program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This degree goes beyond undergraduate accounting by preparing you for CPA licensure while providing you with advanced accounting, analytics and emerging technology skills. You'll graduate ready to contribute immediately in a profession known for strong career stability, growth and long-term opportunity.
UMD Smith gives you a foundational business education paired with collaborative learning, industry engagement and hands-on consulting projects. Students also learn from faculty and advisory council members representing a variety of industries.
No. The Master of Science in Accounting is designed for students and professionals from any academic background who want to build advanced accounting expertise. You should bring a strong interest in accounting, along with analytical thinking, clear communication, methodical problem-solving and attention to detail.
Have more questions?
The Smith School's Graduate Admissions Office is here to help. Whether you have questions about the admissions requirements, application process or student experience, our team can help you determine if the Master of Science in Accounting is the right fit for your goals.
Graduate Admissions
2303 Van Munching Hall
College Park, MD 20742-1815
Phone: 301-405-2559
Email: smithmasters@umd.edu
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Connect With Us
Questions? Contact the MBA & Business Master's Admissions Office at 301-405-2559 or SmithMasters@umd.edu.