The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Science in Accounting program is designed to prepare students for success both during and after the CPA exam. This program offers both full- and part-time options so that you can pursue your degree at your pace.

Our MS in Accounting program is specifically designed to cover all of the material typically tested by the CPA exam. Graduates of the Lindner MS Accounting program are qualified to sit for not only the State of Ohio CPA exam but also the tests proctored in most other states as well. While the requirements to take the exam differ from state-to-state, many examinations cover content that is not taught in most undergraduate programs.

Accounting Curriculum

We provide our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the workplace once they have successfully passed the CPA exam. Our faculty help students develop the tools utilized by top accounting firms, as well as comprehensive knowledge in the core areas of business, and how to best apply those frameworks to real-world challenges.

Classes include Cost Accounting, Advanced Financial Reporting, Auditing, and Fraud Examination. These courses prepare students for real-life scenarios including interview techniques, oral and written reports, research, the use of electronic databases, preparing financial statements, and more.

Not only does our Master’s in Accounting program prepare students for the CPA, it also provides the necessary knowledge and skillset needed to work at the highest level in any area of accounting. Students can complete the program in as little as nine months with full-time and part-time program options. The Lindner College of Business also features career coaches to assist with finding internships and boasts a state-of-the-art building and an award-winning reputation.

Domestic graduates enjoy a 100 percent placement record and more than 80 percent accept a full-time position before graduation. UC graduates are hired by respected companies like Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, Caterpillar, EY and KPMG. Additionally, the nation's top five accounting firms all have a significant presence in Cincinnati.

Candidates with non-Accounting business degrees
Prior to enrolling in any Accounting courses in the Master of Science in Accounting program, candidates with a non-accounting undergraduate business degree must complete the courses listed below:

Required courses for candidates with non-Accounting business degrees.
Course number    Course title    Credits
ACCT 3031    Intermediate Accounting I    3
ACCT 3032    Intermediate Accounting II    3
ACCT 3072    Introduction to Taxation    3
ACCT 3073    Cost Accounting    3
ACCT 4083    Auditing    3
Candidates with non-business degrees
Candidates with non-business degrees must complete the courses listed below:

Required business courses for candidates with non-business degrees.
Course number    Course title    Credits
ECON 7000    Economics Foundations    2
MKTG 7000    Marketing Foundations    1
MGMT 7000    Organizations    2
BANA 7011    Business Statistics    2
FIN 7000    Finance Foundations    2
Required accounting courses for candidates with non-business degrees.
Course number    Course title    Credits
ACCT 3031    Intermediate Accounting I    3
ACCT 3032    Intermediate Accounting II    3
ACCT 3072    Introduction to Taxation    3
ACCT 3073    Cost Accounting    3
ACCT 4083    Auditing    3
A maximum of nine semester credits may be transferred in from graduate coursework completed at other AACSB accredited institutions. This is subject to the approval of the program director.

Required for all candidates
All candidates must complete the 18 semester credits listed below:

Required courses for all candidates.
Course number    Course title    Credits
ACCT 6072    Tax II    3
BA 7077    Career Management    0
ACCT 8021    Management Control Systems    3
ACCT 8071    Accounting Theory and Research    3
ACCT 8074    Advanced Auditing    3
ACCT 8089    Financial Statement Analysis    3
BLAW 8060    Business Law for Accountants    3
Electives
All candidates must complete 12 semester credits from courses listed below. Students must complete ACCT 6046: Estate and Gift Taxation, or ACCT 8087: IFRS.

Elective courses.
Course number    Course title    Credits
ACCT 7093     Special Topics (Becker REG, FAR)    3
ACCT 6021    Fraud Examination    3
ACCT 6046    Estate and Gift Taxation    2
ACCT 6075    Consolidated Financial Statements or Advanced Accounting    3
ACCT 6076    Nonprofit and Government Accounting    3
ACCT 7093    Special Topics (Becker REG) - Spring    2
ACCT 7093    Special Topics (FAR) - Fall    2
ACCT 8022    Forensic Accounting    2
ACCT 6098    Ethics for Accounting    3
ACCT 8077    Accounting Information Systems    3
Online taxation classes are also available.

Careers 

Graduates of the UC Lindner College of Business accounting program can find career opportunities in public and corporate accounting. Employers include both national and international public accounting firms (Big 4), regional and local public accounting firms, financial services firms, manufacturing firms and retailers and others. Examples of jobs include:

• CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) in public auditing
• Managerial/cost accountants
• Internal revenue agents
• Tax consultants
• Internal auditors
• Financial executives
• Accounting professionals in governmental and non-profit organizations

Application requirements

To apply you will be asked to provide the following information:

• Current résumé
• Essay (you can preview the essay for your program by starting an application)
• Scanned transcripts
• Contact information for two references who will provide letters of recommendation electronically
• IELTS or TOEFL score (International applicants only)

Tuition fee-9 months-$35,000