Master's of Accounting (iMSA)

Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois

Accredited degree

Offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

18-36 months

8 courses total, 10-15 hours per week

$21,916-$28,096 USD total cost

Depending on elective course choices

No accounting background required

Designed for students of various backgrounds

100% online

Mixture of self-paced content with engaging live classroom sessions

Develop advanced accounting expertise and analytical insight as you prepare for high-impact strategic roles

The online MS in Accountancy program curriculum is designed to provide students with a relevant set of analytical skills and a consultancy mindset. Delivered by Gies’ top-ranked accounting faculty with decades of industry experience, the iMSA helps students learn to collect and process information and make high-impact strategic decisions for their organization. The iMSA is designed to be a versatile degree. It is equally feasible that a student can use this degree to prepare for the CPA exam as it is that a student can use this degree to fundamentally change how they collect, analyze, and interpret data in their professional lives.

The curriculum is divided between core accounting and analytics coursework and elective coursework. Learning takes place in several modalities: online self-paced lecture content, high-engagement live classes, and practical mastery through hands-on projects as well as in everyday job responsibilities at work.

Expert-led, hands-on accounting education

Gain advanced expertise in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and analytics through courses designed by top faculty and industry leaders. Apply real-world accounting skills immediately in your career.

Flexible and career-friendly learning

Balance work, life, and study with a 100% online program designed to be completed in 18–36 months. Take one or two courses per term, access live sessions or recordings, and study on your own schedule.

Customizable learning pathways

Tailor your degree with electives across accounting and business, or add a transcriptable concentration or graduate certificate to specialize in analytics, leadership, or more.

A global, connected classroom

Collaborate with peers and instructors around the world through live discussions, group projects, and interactive coursework designed for real-world impact.