Master of Science in Accounting

Yes, see our current student or alumni ambassador profiles or email them at msaga@stern.nyu.edu.

An MS in Accounting is a graduate degree that prepares students for advanced roles in accounting and finance and to sit for the CPA exam. Most master's in accounting programs can be completed in 12 to 24 months and typically require 30 to 33 credit hours. NYU Stern’s 1-year, 30-credit MSA program, taught by CPA professionals and expert faculty, includes course topics such as auditing, data management, data analysis, corporate finance, forensic accounting, financial statement analysis, financial reporting and disclosure, and more. The program also prepares students to sit for the New York Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam by ensuring they fulfill the requirements to sit for the exam. Certain pre-enrollment requirements are needed to enroll in the NYU Stern MS in Accounting program.

A master’s in accounting can open doors to a wide range of careers, including roles such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), financial analyst, forensic accountant, tax manager, tax advisor, accounting manager, finance manager, auditor, compliance risk manager, corporate controller, director of finance and accounting, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The degree program has the potential to enhance your earning potential and pave the way for opportunities in specialized areas like financial regulation, tax law, corporate finance, and forensic accounting, where understanding relevant laws and compliance requirements is essential.

Students in NYU Stern’s master's in accounting benefit from comprehensive career support designed to prepare them for success in the accounting profession and beyond. Throughout the program, students have access to the Wasserman Center for Career Development, which offers individualized coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, career-readiness seminars, and an online job search platform. Graduate-specific workshops and events further enhance professional development.

Stern’s deep industry ties—including strong connections with the Big Four accounting firms and other leading employers provide graduates with valuable opportunities to build their network and pursue full-time roles. Visit our Careers page to see our proven career outcomes.

After graduation, alumni continue to receive lifelong support through Stern’s Working Professionals Team, which offers career coaching, events, skill-building resources, and job postings for mid-to-senior-level roles in various industries and functions.

Visit our Master of Science in Accounting Events page to register for a webinar.

The tuition and fees for the master’s degree in accounting at NYU Stern are approximately $66,862 for students who started the program in Fall 2025. Visit our Financial Aid & Tuition page for more information about the program’s cost, scholarships, loan programs, and return on investment.

To enroll in NYU Stern’s accounting master’s program, applicants must have a strong academic foundation in accounting and general business. This ensures students are prepared for graduate-level coursework and eligible to sit for the CPA exam in New York State.

Visit our Pre-Enrollment Requirements page for more information.

To be eligible to enroll in NYU Stern’s master’s in accounting, you must have a bachelor’s degree, demonstrate a mastery of English, and indicate how you completed, or plan to complete, our pre-enrollment requirements.

Visit our Admissions page for more information, and review all of our admissions policies before submitting your application.

Yes, all domestic and international applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Awards are typically $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000, applied evenly between the first and second semesters of the program. While about 25–35% of students receive a scholarship, availability may vary from year to year. No additional application materials are required to be considered for scholarships.

Scholarship decisions are made at the time of admission and will be included in your official admission letter. All scholarship decisions are final.

NYU Stern’s Master of Science in Accounting program is intentionally designed to meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure in New York State. The curriculum builds on a strong foundation of accounting and business knowledge with advanced coursework in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, data management, data analysis, financial statement analysis and fraud examination, forensic accounting, accounting information systems, and more.

Students learn the relation between accounting standards and organizational practices, including how these standards impact regulatory compliance and internal controls. They gain the expertise and credit hours needed to sit for the New York CPA exam while sharpening critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for real-world practice.

What sets NYU apart is the caliber of instruction and the strength of its professional network. Courses are taught by distinguished faculty from Stern’s top-ranked accounting department, many of whom are licensed CPAs and industry experts. Their direct insight into the profession ensures students learn both the theory and the practical applications needed to succeed on the Uniform CPA exam and in the field, with a focus on understanding SEC regulations and reporting requirements.

Additionally, NYU Stern’s location in New York City provides unparalleled access to leading accounting firms, including the Big Four, which regularly recruit Stern students. The program’s rigorous academic foundation, combined with real-world relevance and employer connectivity, uniquely positions graduates for CPA success and long-term career advancement.

NYU Stern’s MSA degree program takes one year to complete full-time. The program typically begins in August and ends in May.