Master of Science in Accounting
Master of Science in Accounting
Full-Time, In-Person Program at UMD's College Park Campus
Explore how major businesses track and report their finances. You’ll gain specialized knowledge of analyzing and managing financial and tax data while following today’s strict accounting guidelines.
Why Get an MS in Accounting at Smith?
The Robert H. Smith School of Business STEM-designated Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program provides you with valuable accounting knowledge extending far beyond the fundamentals most learn at the undergraduate level. You’ll learn to integrate AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and other advanced technological concepts into your work, giving you a competitive edge in today’s job market. The program can be completed in two or three semesters, fast-tracking your professional growth and helping you launch a great accounting career.
Receive one-on-one CPA advising and take courses that can be applied toward the CPA requirement.
Meet recruiters from the Big Four and other accounting firms who frequently hire our MSA grads.
Apply what you learn to real-world scenarios through hands-on projects and Big Four case competitions.
The Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program offers full tuition coverage for eligible students interested in pursuing the Master of Science in Accounting degree.
98% of our domestic and international MS in Accounting graduates secure job placement within six months of graduation.
Advance Your Accounting Skills Through AI-Powered Technology
We'll teach you advanced accounting methods and give you plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience with AI-powered tools and technology. These are key skills top employers seek when recruiting new talent.
In our AI Literacy course, you’ll learn how to transform raw, unstructured accounting data into clear and actionable insights. Courses such as Business Communications will show you how to leverage AI to address ethical challenges and can help you present your business findings in more compelling and effective ways.
The combination of advanced accounting expertise, AI literacy and business communication skills will prepare you to excel in a profession that is constantly evolving.
Here are the tools and concepts you can expect to use and learn in the MS Accounting program:
- Accounting analytics and valuation
- AI
- Alteryx
- Automation Anywhere
- Corporate and real estate taxation
- Cybersecurity
- Data-driven decision making
- Financial statement and data systems analysis
- IDEA
- Information security, audit and control
- Internal, external, forensic and automated auditing
- Internal, state, local and individual taxation
- Machine learning
- Microsoft SQL
- MindBridge Analytics
- Tableau and Power BI
Specialized Career Tracks
Choose a specialized track to acquire the targeted skills you’ll need in your accounting career.
Examine the accuracy of business's financial records within an accounting team. Future career roles often include auditing, risk consulting and assurance accounting.
Progress toward your CPA and learn how to serve clients individually or within a business. Future career roles often include corporate accounting and financial consulting.
Work closely with individuals and businesses to help them prepare, file and manage their taxes. Tax accounting is a common future career role.
Upcoming MS in Accounting Events
AI & Your Job Search with Smith Career Services
8:30 AM EDT
Personal Branding for Grad Students with OCS
12:30 PM EDT
MS Drop-In Hours for In-Person Programs
12:00 PM EDT
MS in Accounting at a Glance
Available as a Plus 1 Program
If you're a current University of Maryland freshman, sophomore or junior, you can pursue your Master of Science in Accounting degree through the Plus 1 program. You’ll save time and thousands of dollars on graduate tuition through this accelerated business master’s program.
Apply and Receive Admissions Benefits
Maryland Advantage can make it easier for applicants who have completed an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in the United States to transition into the business master’s program by helping them save money on tuition, skip graduate entrance exams and get personalized career counseling before starting their program.
Learn from Expert Faculty
Your professors are industry experts and scholars who are invested in your success and will challenge you to take your skills to the next level. They are well-connected business leaders who offer guidance as you navigate through your professional journey.
Creator of Justice for Fraud Victims initiative and TerpTax, programs for students to get hands-on experience in investigating accounting activity to detect fraud and in tax preparation
Expert in taxation and accounting issues
Academic Director of the Master of Science Accounting program
Expertise includes cybersecurity, information systems and analytics
Allen J. Krowe teaching award recipient
Former CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers
Expert in corporate financial reporting and intangible investment accounting
Director and Co-founder of the AI Initiative for Capital Market Research
scao824@umd.edu
Clinical Professor
jcrocker@umd.edu
Adjunct Faculty
ddenniso@umd.edu
Senior Lecturer
shandwer@umd.edu
Associate Dean of Research and Doctoral Programs
rhann@umd.edu
Adjunct Faculty
dharnish@umd.edu
Area Chair, Accounting and Information Assurance
mkimbrou@umd.edu
Associate Area Chair
jmckinne@umd.edu
Lecturer
pmcname1@umd.edu
Associate Clinical Professor
jmilton@umd.edu
Associate Professor
nseybert@umd.edu
Dean's Professor of Management Science and Operations Management
ttunca@umd.edu
Where Your Degree Can Take You
A Smith MSA degree prepares you to enter the high-demand accounting field in various settings, including Big Four accounting firms, the federal government and even nonprofit organizations. Whether you already have an undergraduate background in accounting or another subject area, this program is ideal for those interested in problem-solving, applying an investigative mindset to challenges and addressing discrepancies in business finances.
Sources: Smith Office of Career Services, 2022; Institute of Internal Auditors; Becker/ Accounting Today
*Data for 2024 graduates who reported their salaries to Smith's Office of Career Services. (49% reporting)
Picture Yourself in These Careers
“I appreciated the supportive yet high-achieving culture, especially through my involvement as a graduate assistant and accounting department representative in student government. Smith provided not only technical preparation, but also the leadership, networking and professional development opportunities that truly shaped my confidence and career trajectory.”
Janeil Birch
MS Accounting Graduate
Tax Associate, PwC
Businesses who have Hired our MS Accounting Graduates
- BDO
- CohnReznick
- Deloitte
- EY
- FBI
- Grant Thornton
- IRS
- KPMG
- Maryland Attorney General
- Morgan Stanley
- PWC
- RSM
Master of Science in Accounting News
The University of Maryland was named the top college in the nation for LGBTQ+ students by Campus Pride and BestColleges.
It…
Boost Your Professional Skills
Smith’s Office of Career Services (OCS) can help you bridge the gap between being a student and an employed professional. You’ll have one-on-one access to a career coach who will provide you with personalized tips on how to articulate your strengths when interacting with your future employer. Your coach will guide you as you refine your job search strategy, developing tangible next steps together.
Connect With Your Classmates
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make connections at Smith and engage in exciting social activities through the Smith Masters Student Association. You can join an accounting-related club or others that provide you with general connections and skills.
MSA Advisory Council
Advisory Councils keep us actively engaged with industry leaders and experts, who bring their real-world experience to help shape what students learn, match classroom lessons to real-world needs, and widen the pipeline for internship and job opportunities.
Contact Us
Business Master's Office
2303 Van Munching Hall
College Park, Maryland 20742-1815
Phone: 301-405-2559
E-mail: SmithMasters@umd.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Questions? Contact the MBA & Business Master's Admissions Office at 301-405-2559 or SmithMasters@umd.edu.