If you’re an accounting professional, pursuing an online Master’s in Accounting can significantly enhance your CPA exam preparation. The CPA exam is a vital milestone on the path to becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant and advancing your career. Online master’s programs in accounting have become increasingly popular for their flexibility and targeted curriculum, making them an effective way to prepare for the exam.
Notably, nearly 90% of new hires at CPA firms hold a master’s degree in accounting, highlighting the value of these programs. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an 11% growth in accounting jobs from 2022 to 2030, there’s no better time to enroll in an online master’s program and prepare for the CPA exam. Let us learn more about how they help you in this regard.
Also Read: Top Programs for Advanced Business Education
Importance of an Online MS in Accounting Program for CPA Exam Prep
An online Master’s in Accounting can serve as an effective CPA prep course tool, helping professionals meet exam requirements while offering several additional benefits. Here are some key advantages.
Coursework aligned with CPA Content
Many Accounting Master’s programs offer coursework that is directly aligned with the material covered on the CPA exam. These topics include regulatory accounting, taxation, auditing, and more. Specialized coursework naturally lends an edge to aspirants in this case.
Meeting the 150-Hour Requirement
A master’s degree will help you meet the requirements to sit for the CPA examination. While these requirements vary across states, earning 150 college credit hours is compulsory. Most bachelor’s degrees need just 120 hours for graduation, and you can make up the 30-hour deficit while gaining more knowledge and added credentials.
Exam Preparation Resources and Support
Comprehensive exam preparation support and resources are integral to online Master’s in Accounting programs. Many are specifically designed to help you succeed on the CPA exam by offering success strategies, key concept reviews, targeted courses, and valuable study materials.
Flexibility for Focused Study
Studying online helps you focus fully on your CPA exam preparation without long commutes or physical travel. You can flexibly undertake an in-depth study of complex accounting concepts, making it easier to tackle the examination.
Real-World Skills That Reinforce Exam Concepts
Master’s courses are complementary professional credentials that help you master real-world skills that reinforce examination concepts. This program dives deeper than bachelor’s courses, helping you gain invaluable skills relating to taxation, fraud examination, financial analysis, auditing, and accounting information systems. It will also help you hone your communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills that help in the CPA exam.
Also Read: Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Accounting? Career Insights and Opportunities
Selecting the Right Online MS Accounting Program as an Ideal CPA Prep Course
Several factors come into play while choosing the best online master’s in accounting programs to aid you with CPA exam preparation.
- Look for a curriculum that thoroughly covers key CPA exam areas such as regulation, financial accounting, and auditing.
- Check if the program includes CPA prep resources like practice exams, study guides, and review materials.
- Assess the availability of career support services, including internships, co-ops, placement assistance, and an active alumni network.
- Evaluate the program’s reputation, accreditation status, and overall track record.
- Consider practical factors like course accessibility, online platform features, and tuition costs.
Also Read: Online Master’s in Accounting: Pros, Cons, and Career Outcomes
Top Jobs for CPAs in the US
Passing the CPA exam will unlock several lucrative career opportunities in the US, one of the top markets for jobs in this field. Here is a look at some of the best jobs and their average yearly salaries below.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Compliance Auditor |
$68,962 |
| Corporate Accountant |
$69,655 |
| Tax Accountant |
$70,840 |
| Cost Accountant |
$74,136 |
| Financial Advisor |
$82,059 |
| Cost Estimator |
$82,321 |
| Accounting Professor |
$61,014 |
| Forensic Accountant |
$78,749 |
| Budget Analyst |
$71,656 |
| Accounting Specialist |
$51,710 |
Unlock Top CPA Career Opportunities in Accounting with Edgewood College
Pursuing an online MS in accounting from Edgewood College through upGrad can be a great way to boost CPA exam preparation and unlock lucrative career opportunities in the long run. The best part is that Edgewood College has tailored the online master’s degree curriculum to widen the scope of contemporary accounting practices that will benefit any employer (across the public and private sectors).
Edgewood College offers three flexible concentrations of online MS Accounting through upGrad!
- Online MS in Accountancy in Business Analysis and Reporting
- Online MS in Accountancy in Tax Compliance and Strategy
- Online MS in Accountancy in Information Systems and Controls
For more information, email at ecentral@edgewood.edu or call 608.663.4300.
FAQs on Online MS in Accounting Be a Good CPA Prep Course
Q: Does an online MS in Accounting fulfill the 150-credit hour requirement for CPA eligibility?
Ans: Yes, an online MS in Accounting course can help fulfill the 150-credit-hour requirement for CPA eligibility. Most bachelor’s degrees span 120 credit hours, and the remaining 30 credit hours can be added through these programs.
Q: How does an online MS in Accounting compare to in-person programs in terms of CPA exam preparation?
Ans: Both programs may help you prepare effectively for the CPA exam, although online courses are more flexible, time-saving, and offer more focused learning opportunities. In-person programs, on the other hand, can offer a more social and structured learning environment.
Q: Do online MS in Accounting programs include CPA review or prep courses?
Ans: Many online MS in Accounting programs may have dedicated CPA review or prep courses, along with specialized modules, success strategies, and so on. In several cases, their curricula are also tailored to the CPA exam.
Q: How long does it typically take to complete an online MS in Accounting?
Ans: The average time taken to complete an online MS in Accounting course is usually 1-2 years. However, it depends on the institution, course structure, and other factors (including whether you have prior coursework credits).
Q: Are there differences in CPA pass rates between online and traditional MS in Accounting graduates?
Ans: Research suggests that online/accelerated program graduates take comparatively less time to complete the CPA exam after graduating. Yet, there is no significant difference between the alumni of traditional and accelerated programs regarding the ultimate pass rates and the number of attempts for passing.
