M.S. in Accounting
There’s a reason our graduates’ first-time CPA exam pass rate is almost 30% higher than the national average. Our rigorous MSA program cultivates in-depth understanding of how accounting affects organizations and society while strengthening necessary analytical skills. Courses focus on practical concepts, and students learn from accomplished faculty who possess valuable industry experience.
We also offer flexible entry options—allowing students with and without accounting backgrounds to apply to the program:
- Students with undergraduate degrees in accounting may apply to either the summer or fall program.
- Students with undergraduate degrees in a subject other than accounting must apply to the summer program to build a foundation in core subjects before the fall semester.
Questions about graduate admissions or programs? Email us or call us at 617-552-3920.
Tuition and Aid
An MSA from the Carroll School is an excellent investment in your future. We offer merit-based scholarships and financial assistance to qualified applicants. Loan and work study programs are also available.
Program Curriculum
If you majored in accounting at the undergraduate level, you may begin the MSA Program in either June or September. Typically, students who start in June complete their studies over one summer and one fall semester, while students who begin in September complete the program over two academic semesters.
NOTE: If you are interested in taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, required courses vary by state. For specific CPA requirements by state, please visit the "Exams" section of the NASBA website.
| Core Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Taxes and Management Decisions | 3 |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 3 |
| Assurance and Consulting Services | 3 |
| Elective Courses* | Credits |
| Accounting Electives (3) | 9 |
| Non-Accounting Electives (4) | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours/Courses | 30/10 |
* Students must take at least two accounting-related electives.
Community Service
The Carroll School has a proud tradition of service to our community. In keeping with that tradition and with our Jesuit heritage, all M.S. in Accounting students are required to complete 10 hours of community service in order to graduate. Service guidelines can be found here.
If your undergraduate major was not accounting, you will begin the MSA Program in June. Typically, students matriculate through one summer and two academic semesters, taking between 10 and 13* courses.
NOTE: If you are interested in taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, required courses vary by state. For specific CPA requirements by state, please visit the "Exams" section of the NASBA website.
| Business Courses | Credits |
| Economics/Micro-Economics | 3 |
| Financial Management | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Business Law (U.S. based) | 3 |
| Accounting Courses | Credits |
| Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| Financial Accounting Practice I | 3 |
| Financial Accounting Practice II | 3 |
| Internal Cost Management and Controls | 3 |
| Federal Taxation (U.S. based) | 3 |
| Financial Auditing (U.S. based) | 3 |
| Core Courses | Credits |
| Taxes and Management Decisions | 3 |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 3 |
| Assurance and Consulting Services | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours/Courses | 39/13 |
* Students may reduce the total number of courses required if any of the listed foundation courses are completed before enrolling in the MSA Program.
Community Service
The Carroll School has a proud tradition of service to our community. In keeping with that tradition and with our Jesuit heritage, all Carroll School graduate students must fulfill a requirement to serve others through meaningful work as volunteers.
MSA Class Profile
Applicant Pool
| Applications Received | 733 |
| Summer Class Size | 40 |
| Fall Class Size | 71 |
| Selectivity | 26% |
Academic Profile (MSA Summer)
| Average GMAT Score | 700 |
| GMAT Score 80th Percentile Range | 628-744 |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.47 |
| Women | 68% |
| AHANA* | 0% |
| International | 65% |
*African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American.
Undergraduate Majors for MSA Summer Class
| Accounting | 18% |
| Business | 10% |
| Economics | 13% |
| Finance | 18% |
| Humanities/Social Science | 8% |
| Double Major | 23% |
| Other | 15% |
Academic Profile (MSA Fall)
| Average GMAT Score | 685 |
| GMAT Score 80th Percentile Range | 603-754 |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.59 |
| Women | 58% |
| AHANA* | 4% |
| International | 66% |
This data represents students who enrolled in the MSA Program in 2017.
*African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American.
Your Future Network
Carroll School graduates leverage their educations in countless ways. Get to know members of the Boston College MSA alumni network.