Master of Science in Professional Accounting Online

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This STEM-designated, AACSB-accredited program will put you on the leading edge of emerging technologies and platforms governing how modern businesses operate.

Apply by: 5/9/24
Start class: 5/30/24
Request Info

Program Overview

Become a sought-after leader with your online Master of Science in Professional Accounting

Technology-driven efficiencies are transforming the accounting profession, creating more opportunities for leadership.

In this STEM-designated, AACSB-accredited online Master of Science in Professional Accounting program, you will gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience using new systems and emerging technologies that are redefining the way organizations conduct business.

Learn how to design, implement, control and audit accounting information systems; explore descriptive and normative models of unethical and ethical decision-making; and develop the skills that will enable you to research and identify appropriate accounting treatments of complex issues. Develop hands-on skills in analytics software, including Excel, Access (with SQL), Tableau, Power BI, XBRL, and Weka, and be prepared to use tools such as UiPath and Python.

This unique degree is designed to position you as a tech-savvy leader in your field and prepare you for the 2024 CPA exam which includes an emphasis on technology.

In this online program, you will learn:

  • Data mining, warehousing, analysis and display
  • Statistical theory and methods
  • Design, testing and evaluation of computer systems and applications
  • Modeling and forecasting market performance
  • Optimization, operations analysis and decision-making
In this online program, you will learn:+
  • Data mining, warehousing, analysis and display
  • Statistical theory and methods
  • Design, testing and evaluation of computer systems and applications
  • Modeling and forecasting market performance
  • Optimization, operations analysis and decision-making

Career outcomes for the M.S. in Professional Accounting include:

  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Corporate Controller
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Financial Controller
  • Senior Accountant
  • Senior Financial Analyst
  • Finance Manager
Career outcomes for the M.S. in Professional Accounting include:+
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Corporate Controller
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Financial Controller
  • Senior Accountant
  • Senior Financial Analyst
  • Finance Manager

+

Also available:

Looking for a different accounting program? We also offer an MBA in Accounting and a Certificate in Professional Accounting.

Total Tuition $12,626*
Duration As few as 12 months
Credit Hours 30

Accreditation

AACSB Accredited Logo

Ranked among The Princeton Review’s 300 Best Business Schools, the Lamar University College of Business offers you access to a powerful business school alumni network and a business education backed by AACSB International accreditation – the gold standard of quality in business education worldwide.

Request Info Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 866-223-7675

Call 866-223-7675

Tuition

Our affordable tuition helps keep your degree within reach

The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing a Master of Science in Professional Accounting online. Our tuition is affordable and can be paid by the course.


View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Program*
M.S. Professional Accounting $421 $12,626

*University fees are included in the tuition listed. University fees are able to be covered by Financial Aid if you choose to apply and are qualified.

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice due to action by the Board of Regents or the Texas State Legislature.

Total program cost depends upon transfer hours and program advisement relevant to program requirements. For more information, contact a Lamar University enrollment specialist.

Financial Aid

Ready to get started on your degree program online but need help finding ways to fund your education? We can help you discover student financing sources that include grants, loans and other payment options. Learn more about financial aid here.

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $12,626*
Per Credit Hour $421

Admissions

Key steps for admission to your online Master of Science in Professional Accounting

The Master of Science in Professional Accounting has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.

Admission Requirements:

  • Submit your application and one-time $25 application fee online
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Official Transcripts
View all admission requirements +

University Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following standards:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (cumulative or last 60 hours, 4.0 system). The GMAT/GRE is waived if the GPA is 2.5 or higher.

*All applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended to the Admissions Office. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution. Lamar University Office of Admissions will no longer require or college community college transcripts for graduate applicants. Official transcripts from all other institutions will be required. However, if a department or program wishes to review a community college transcript for decision purposes, the department or program may directly request the applicant to submit the official community college transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions for processing.

Send all required documents to:

Lamar University Online Admissions
PO Box 10017
Beaumont, TX 77710

OR

Submit electronically to [email protected]

Check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state before applying by clicking here.

Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

Request Info

Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?

Apply Now

Courses

Preview the curriculum for your online Master of Science in Professional Accounting

The Master of Science in Professional Accounting online curriculum is comprised of four core courses, a choice of four courses from STEM/Information Systems courses, plus two electives from Accounting/MBA/MIS courses. Customize your program based on your goals and interests.

Expand All
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a study of advanced topics in financial accounting and reporting. It focuses on complex corporate reporting issues. This course will emphasize the development of skills and knowledge necessary to conduct professional research and to identify appropriate accounting treatment of complex issues. This will not only entail the study of current financial reporting and disclosure requirements, but will include controversial and emerging practices. Prerequisites: ACCT 3320 and Graduate Standing Offered: Fall, Spring
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An extensive examination of the methods employed to determine defensible solutions to problems in federal taxation. Emphasis is placed upon research methodology, proper documentation of research findings and effective communication of research findings to interested parties. The text is supplemented with outside readings and case studies. Significant oral and written reports are required. Prerequisite: Graduate standing with a minimum of eighteen semester hours of accounting that include ACCT 3380 and ACCT 3390 or their equivalent and six semester hours of Intermediate. Offered: Fall
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course presents systems concepts and their application in the design, implementation, control, and audit of accounting information systems, including computerized systems. Prerequisite: ACCT 3320 and Graduate Standing Offered: Fall, Spring
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3

Choose 4 from list below.

Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is primarily focused on hands-on access to innovation and how to optimize or automate existing accounting, auditing and tax tasks. Students will be introduced to a range of technology tools used by professionals. Inefficiencies in business processes ad problems with manual tasks are explored for automation.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide the student the opportunity to learn about data analytics as it applies to the accounting profession. Data Analytics is a topic of increasing importance for many organizations as the need for data-driven insights and recommendations grows throughout the business industry. This course provides in-depth coverage of data analytics, giving students hands-on experience working with different types of data and the tools use to analyze it. The topics covered in this course include but not limited to: Critical Thinking, Data Preparation and Cleaning, Data Modeling and Evaluation, Data Presentation, Audit Analytics, Generating Key Performance Indicators, and Financial Statement Analysis. Various software tools will be introduced to enhance students’ hands-on capabilities.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course promotes tools for effective decision-making using a variety of techniques. Students learn to apply analytical methods to the processes of data collection, presentation, assessment and interpretation. The course emphasizes quantitative and statistical methods and includes topics such as correlation, regression analysis, data mining and model optimization.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course covers design, implementation and management of database systems. Students will learn: 1. Database design concepts 2. The physical implementation of a database design with software such as MS Access, Oracle and Structured Query Language (SQL) 3. DBMS functions, database administration and database management approaches.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an introduction to programming fundamentals, computational thinking and problem solving. Students will apply elementary programming concepts including the use of variables, loops, decision logic, functions, data types and simple object-oriented concepts. Students will learn th use a high-level computing language to create programs to solve business problems.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide the student the opportunity to learn about the element comprising Information Assurance and Security. Information Assurance and Security is a topic of increasing importance for many organizations as threats to computer and network systems continues to increase and evolve. It is imperative that the information organization store in their systems be protected from unauthorized disclosure, modification or destruction. This course provides an in-depth presentation of information assurance concepts, terminologies, models and practices. The topics covered in this course include but not limited to: Organizational Security Management, Cryptography, Physical Security, Infrastructure Security, Intrusion Detection Systems, Network Security and Risk.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will acquire knowledge necessary to implement cybersecurity programs and policies to protect an organization's systems and data. This course covers topics such as cybersecurity policy and governance, policy organization, format and style, cybersecurity frameworks, asset management and data loss prevention, cybersecurity incident response and business continuity management.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides students with an understanding of fundamental business processes and enterprise systems. Students will learn how to integrate these business processes into an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, specifically SAP. Students gain hands-on experience using SAP for the fulfillment, procurement, production, financial accounting and management of business processes. The course includes an ERP simulation (ERPsim) strategy game.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces students to business intelligence (BI), which is the user-centered process of exploring data, data relationships and trends, thereby helping to improve overall decision-making. Students will use a major enterprise software application for business intelligence, analytical reporting and Data Warehousing solutions. Application of data visualization software is also included.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces students to the concepts of Business Analytics to help professionals make informed decisions based on data. Besides learning Excel functions, students will use data visualization and data mining techniques to discover hidden trends in data sets. Students will also use the latest predictive analytical tools from SAP to anticipate future behavior that will help make better managerial decisions.

Choose 2 from below.

Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Advanced study of the role of auditors as a profession. In depth discussion of professional ethics and liability to clients and other third parties. Study of audit failures, employing the case method. Also, the use of statistical sampling methods in auditing. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and ACCT 4300 Offered: Summer
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a basis for determining firm value. Students are introduced to fundamental analysis concepts and techniques that can be used to critique and interpret the financial health of the firm. The course integrates research in the areas of accounting, finance, and management which has proved useful in the financial analysis of organizations. Prerequisites: ACCT 5200 or equivalent and Graduate Standing Offered: Summer
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Combined academic and work components allow students to gain experience in the professional field of accounting. Course supervised by a graduate faculty member and appropriate personnel of the approved organization. The student will keep a diary comprising a chronological list of all work experience gained in the internship. The student writes a paper demonstrating the knowledge gained in the internship. The internship course shall not be taken until a minimum of 12 semester hours of upper division accounting course work has been completed. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Calendar

Review important start dates and deadlines

The Master of Science in Professional Accounting program is delivered in an online format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year. Choose the start date that's best for you.

View full calendar  + 

8 week coursesProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Summer I5/30/245/9/245/16/245/23/248/1/24
Fall 18/22/248/1/248/8/248/15/2410/9/24
Fall 210/14/249/23/249/30/2410/7/2412/12/24
Spring I1/16/2512/26/241/2/251/9/253/7/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 5/9/24
Class Starts 5/30/24

Tuition

Our affordable tuition helps keep your degree within reach

The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing a Master of Science in Professional Accounting online. Our tuition is affordable and can be paid by the course.


View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Program*
M.S. Professional Accounting $421 $12,626

*University fees are included in the tuition listed. University fees are able to be covered by Financial Aid if you choose to apply and are qualified.

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice due to action by the Board of Regents or the Texas State Legislature.

Total program cost depends upon transfer hours and program advisement relevant to program requirements. For more information, contact a Lamar University enrollment specialist.

Financial Aid

Ready to get started on your degree program online but need help finding ways to fund your education? We can help you discover student financing sources that include grants, loans and other payment options. Learn more about financial aid here.

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $12,626*
Per Credit Hour $421

Calendar

Review important start dates and deadlines

The Master of Science in Professional Accounting program is delivered in an online format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year. Choose the start date that's best for you.

View full calendar  + 

8 week coursesProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Summer I5/30/245/9/245/16/245/23/248/1/24
Fall 18/22/248/1/248/8/248/15/2410/9/24
Fall 210/14/249/23/249/30/2410/7/2412/12/24
Spring I1/16/2512/26/241/2/251/9/253/7/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 5/9/24
Class Starts 5/30/24

Admissions

Key steps for admission to your online Master of Science in Professional Accounting

The Master of Science in Professional Accounting has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.

Admission Requirements:

  • Submit your application and one-time $25 application fee online
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Official Transcripts
View all admission requirements +

University Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following standards:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (cumulative or last 60 hours, 4.0 system). The GMAT/GRE is waived if the GPA is 2.5 or higher.

*All applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended to the Admissions Office. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution. Lamar University Office of Admissions will no longer require or college community college transcripts for graduate applicants. Official transcripts from all other institutions will be required. However, if a department or program wishes to review a community college transcript for decision purposes, the department or program may directly request the applicant to submit the official community college transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions for processing.

Send all required documents to:

Lamar University Online Admissions
PO Box 10017
Beaumont, TX 77710

OR

Submit electronically to [email protected]

Check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state before applying by clicking here.

Courses

Preview the curriculum for your online Master of Science in Professional Accounting

The Master of Science in Professional Accounting online curriculum is comprised of four core courses, a choice of four courses from STEM/Information Systems courses, plus two electives from Accounting/MBA/MIS courses. Customize your program based on your goals and interests.

Expand All
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a study of advanced topics in financial accounting and reporting. It focuses on complex corporate reporting issues. This course will emphasize the development of skills and knowledge necessary to conduct professional research and to identify appropriate accounting treatment of complex issues. This will not only entail the study of current financial reporting and disclosure requirements, but will include controversial and emerging practices. Prerequisites: ACCT 3320 and Graduate Standing Offered: Fall, Spring
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An extensive examination of the methods employed to determine defensible solutions to problems in federal taxation. Emphasis is placed upon research methodology, proper documentation of research findings and effective communication of research findings to interested parties. The text is supplemented with outside readings and case studies. Significant oral and written reports are required. Prerequisite: Graduate standing with a minimum of eighteen semester hours of accounting that include ACCT 3380 and ACCT 3390 or their equivalent and six semester hours of Intermediate. Offered: Fall
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course presents systems concepts and their application in the design, implementation, control, and audit of accounting information systems, including computerized systems. Prerequisite: ACCT 3320 and Graduate Standing Offered: Fall, Spring
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3

Choose 4 from list below.

Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is primarily focused on hands-on access to innovation and how to optimize or automate existing accounting, auditing and tax tasks. Students will be introduced to a range of technology tools used by professionals. Inefficiencies in business processes ad problems with manual tasks are explored for automation.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide the student the opportunity to learn about data analytics as it applies to the accounting profession. Data Analytics is a topic of increasing importance for many organizations as the need for data-driven insights and recommendations grows throughout the business industry. This course provides in-depth coverage of data analytics, giving students hands-on experience working with different types of data and the tools use to analyze it. The topics covered in this course include but not limited to: Critical Thinking, Data Preparation and Cleaning, Data Modeling and Evaluation, Data Presentation, Audit Analytics, Generating Key Performance Indicators, and Financial Statement Analysis. Various software tools will be introduced to enhance students’ hands-on capabilities.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course promotes tools for effective decision-making using a variety of techniques. Students learn to apply analytical methods to the processes of data collection, presentation, assessment and interpretation. The course emphasizes quantitative and statistical methods and includes topics such as correlation, regression analysis, data mining and model optimization.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course covers design, implementation and management of database systems. Students will learn: 1. Database design concepts 2. The physical implementation of a database design with software such as MS Access, Oracle and Structured Query Language (SQL) 3. DBMS functions, database administration and database management approaches.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an introduction to programming fundamentals, computational thinking and problem solving. Students will apply elementary programming concepts including the use of variables, loops, decision logic, functions, data types and simple object-oriented concepts. Students will learn th use a high-level computing language to create programs to solve business problems.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide the student the opportunity to learn about the element comprising Information Assurance and Security. Information Assurance and Security is a topic of increasing importance for many organizations as threats to computer and network systems continues to increase and evolve. It is imperative that the information organization store in their systems be protected from unauthorized disclosure, modification or destruction. This course provides an in-depth presentation of information assurance concepts, terminologies, models and practices. The topics covered in this course include but not limited to: Organizational Security Management, Cryptography, Physical Security, Infrastructure Security, Intrusion Detection Systems, Network Security and Risk.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will acquire knowledge necessary to implement cybersecurity programs and policies to protect an organization's systems and data. This course covers topics such as cybersecurity policy and governance, policy organization, format and style, cybersecurity frameworks, asset management and data loss prevention, cybersecurity incident response and business continuity management.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides students with an understanding of fundamental business processes and enterprise systems. Students will learn how to integrate these business processes into an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, specifically SAP. Students gain hands-on experience using SAP for the fulfillment, procurement, production, financial accounting and management of business processes. The course includes an ERP simulation (ERPsim) strategy game.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces students to business intelligence (BI), which is the user-centered process of exploring data, data relationships and trends, thereby helping to improve overall decision-making. Students will use a major enterprise software application for business intelligence, analytical reporting and Data Warehousing solutions. Application of data visualization software is also included.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces students to the concepts of Business Analytics to help professionals make informed decisions based on data. Besides learning Excel functions, students will use data visualization and data mining techniques to discover hidden trends in data sets. Students will also use the latest predictive analytical tools from SAP to anticipate future behavior that will help make better managerial decisions.

Choose 2 from below.

Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Advanced study of the role of auditors as a profession. In depth discussion of professional ethics and liability to clients and other third parties. Study of audit failures, employing the case method. Also, the use of statistical sampling methods in auditing. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and ACCT 4300 Offered: Summer
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a basis for determining firm value. Students are introduced to fundamental analysis concepts and techniques that can be used to critique and interpret the financial health of the firm. The course integrates research in the areas of accounting, finance, and management which has proved useful in the financial analysis of organizations. Prerequisites: ACCT 5200 or equivalent and Graduate Standing Offered: Summer
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Combined academic and work components allow students to gain experience in the professional field of accounting. Course supervised by a graduate faculty member and appropriate personnel of the approved organization. The student will keep a diary comprising a chronological list of all work experience gained in the internship. The student writes a paper demonstrating the knowledge gained in the internship. The internship course shall not be taken until a minimum of 12 semester hours of upper division accounting course work has been completed. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

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