Prepare yourself for a successful career in accounting.
The MS in Accounting Transitions Track curriculum begins with foundational courses designed to prepare students from non-accounting backgrounds for advanced accounting concepts introduced later in the program.
The program requires 33-45 credits of graduate coursework, which begins with the four foundational courses that are taken entirely online. These prepare you for more advanced core and elective coursework that can be taken on-campus or online. We developed our curriculum in close consultation with our Accounting Advisory Council and with feedback from our students. The Advisory Council is made up of alumni partners and executives who are strongly committed to our program. The knowledge you gain in the program will be applicable to a number of accounting-related certifications in the field.
Format
We built the program for maximum flexibility. Students can choose to take all their classes online or take some classes on the UMass Amherst campus. Online classes are offered fall, spring and summer. On-campus classes are offered in the fall and spring semesters in Amherst.
Our online format allows you to take classes from any place at any time since classes are asynchronous. This means that you can complete your assignments at a time that works for you.
Optional Focus Areas
There is strong demand for accounting professionals who are trained in data analytics. In the data analytics focus, students will develop the skillset and approaches needed to be an analytically-minded accounting professional. Students will learn how to assess and communicate business problems, to evaluate and analyze data and to develop and effectively present data-driven recommendations. (9 credits)
Forensic accounting considerations are frequently intertwined with other fundamental areas of accounting including taxation, financial reporting, transaction advisory, internal audit and information systems. Accountants can bolster their client service capabilities with a fundamental understanding of forensic accounting, including fraud examination, fraud risk management, investigation skills, damages analysis and other forensic services. No matter where your career path takes you, your forensic knowledge will broaden and deepen your accounting skills. (9 credits)
Our focus in taxation provides students with the depth, knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in public accounting. Students will take three tax courses alongside the traditional MS in Accounting curriculum -- Taxation of Partnerships and Limited Liability Company (LLC), Tax Research, and State and Local Taxation. Career benefits include hands on experience with software used by public accounting firms, and a strong foundation in regulation should students go on to work towards an accounting-related certification in the field. (9 credits)
4+1 Master's Degrees
Undergraduate students at UMass Amherst and other colleges in the Five College Consortium can pursue a 4+1 option, completing their undergraduate degree and their master's degree in 5 years. Isenberg's Master of Finance, Master of Science in Accounting, and Master of Science in Business Analytics all offer this option.
For UMass Amherst students, the 4+1 option can also be accelerated, allowing students to complete both their undergraduate and master's degrees in fewer than 5 years.
Interested students should apply to a master's degree program in their junior year or early in their senior year.
MS in Accounting Faculty
Apply Now
Follow our step-by-step process to complete your online application.
- Review the program specific admissions requirements.
- Click Apply Now to go to the University's Graduate School site where you can find a link to the secure online application.
- First-time users will need to create an account to start a new application. Note: You can submit your application before you have all your materials ready, simply save and resume your application as you gather required materials.
- After submitting, track your application at the Graduate School Status of Application page.