Graduate Accounting Education
Choose your path
The College of Business offers three different pathways for students interested in pursuing graduate accounting education at UCCS.
Accounting Education at UCCS
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
- Full Time (Fast Track-12 months)
- Part Time
- Plus Certificate option (MSA+)
Designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting or business with an emphasis in accounting who are also interested in meeting Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure requirements.
MBA option with an emphasis in accounting
Designed for students who do not have a background in accounting but are interested in a career change in the field of accounting may pursue the MBA with an emphasis in accounting.
Graduate Certificate in Accounting
Designed for students who already have an MBA or an undergraduate in business but lack the accounting education to sit for the CPA licensure.
Why earn a graduate degree in accounting at UCCS?
MSA Admissions
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Upcoming Info Sessions
Learn more about the MSA program at our next Information Session.
Application Process
Learn about the steps you need to complete and submit a MSA graduate application.
Tuition
Expected MSA online and in-class tuition, as well as, credit hours and the different costs for residents and non-residents.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
All on-campus classes are offered in the evening hours. Students can also enroll in online courses along with courses offered on-campus, which provides flexibility to students who are also busy working professionals. Most accounting courses are held on campus. Non-accounting electives can be taken online.
RESOURCES
Graduate accounting students have full access the College of Business Career Development Center for career development resources, internships, and career placement services.
AACSB ACCREDITATION
All UCCS graduate accounting programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business- AACSB International. This prestigious accreditation is assurance that our programs are high-quality and taught by well-qualified faculty with a commitment to student success and continuous improvement.
The UCCS Difference
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Unparalleled Value
We offer the quality and prestige that comes with AACSB International accreditation at an affordable price.
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Exceptional Instruction
Our leading instructors are nationally and internationally recognized for their research and instruction. Receive personalized guidance from professors with real-world experience in their field.
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Individualized Attention
Our deliberately small class sizes make it easier for instructors to provide the individualized attention they want to give and that you deserve to receive.
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Excellent Career & Alumni Services
We offer career development and placement services as a benefit to our students and alumni, as well as a chance to be involved in the UCCS College of Business Alumni Association, allowing you to keep in touch and network with classmates and fellow graduates.
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GMAT/GRE Waivers
You may be able to waive the GMAT or GRE exam based on a previous graduate degree or substantial management experience.
MSA Faculty Spotlight
Blaise Sonnier, D.B.A.
Dr. Sonnier’s research focuses on legal issues related to federal and state taxation, including real estate taxation, taxation of investments, limits on state taxation imposed by the U.S. Constitution, and the protection of tax workpapers and advice by the attorney-client and work product privileges. In addition, Dr. Sonnier writes a regular column on state and local taxation entitled “SALT Block” for Taxes, a leading journal for tax professionals. He is also the Senior Editor of The Journal of Legal Tax Research published by the American Taxation Association. Prior to entering academics, Dr. Sonnier practiced commercial and tax law for 21 years and brings that experience to his research and teaching.
MSA FAQs
The UCCS MSA program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework contingent upon the completion of an undergraduate accounting degree or business degree with an emphasis in accounting. Applicants must have successfully completed all accounting prerequisites.
Nothing really. While there are some differences in curriculum between schools all of these are graduate professional degrees designed to prepare graduates to meet the educations requirements to sit for the CPA exam.
It depends. All three credentials can be used to prepare for careers in accounting and licensure as a CPA. If you have an undergraduate degree in accounting and are very focused on a career in accounting the MSA is your fastest route to qualify for the CPA exam. If you have an undergraduate degree from outside of business or you want a broad degree with a balance of coursework in accounting as well as other business disciplines, the MBA with emphasis in Accounting is a great option. If you already have a master's degree or just want a few specific accounting courses the Graduate Certificate in Accounting is a good choice.
No. However, MSA students can choose to take their general business electives (non-accounting courses) online from our Online MBA program.