Accounting, M.S. (MSA)

Earn your Master of Science in Accounting

Today’s accountants are the backbones of businesses that rely on their expertise to translate financial data into clear and relevant information and comply with federal, state and local laws and taxes. Governors State’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) will prepare you to meet and adapt to the ever-changing technology in the field of accounting while equipping you with the knowledge and skills to communicate financial reports and information and comply with tax, audit and other financial and legal requirements, and communicate about compliance to key stakeholders.

In this program, you will obtain the foundational technical knowledge you need as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) while improving your skills in finance, management, audit and assurance services, taxation and business regulatory environments, finance, management, audit and assurance services and accounting information systems. Focus your education by tailoring your graduate studies to your career interests in audit, tax, financial planning, or general business.

As a STEM-designated degree program, international students with an F-1 visa can work for three years in the United States after earning their MSA at GovState through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

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Career Outcomes

As an MSA student, you will fulfill the 150-credit hour requirement to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam —or if you are already a CPA, you will achieve the credentials needed to teach at the college level.

Chicago is home to the headquarters of the fifth, sixth, and seventh largest national accounting firms - RSM, Grant Thornton, and BDO - and the large offices of the Big 4 accounting firms- Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young and KPMG. There are also several Global 500 companies in the metropolitan area.

Graduates of GovState's accounting program receive offers from top accounting firms and a range of other companies and industries including Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, Crowe Horwath , Legacy , Miller Cooper , Forvis Mazars and Sikich, along with smaller local firms. Other GovState accounting graduates also work in industry, government, and business consulting services such as Exelon, Tyson Foods, Cars.com, and Oracle. Some GovState accounting graduates choose to start their own accounting firm, work in federal, state and local government, or advance into management or executive leadership within organizations.

Our AACSB-accredited College of Business has structured a curriculum to provide you with the global knowledge needed in the Chicagoland region and beyond.

Why Get a Master of Science in Accounting?

A rapid evolutionary change is creating unprecedented opportunities for accounting professionals. In 2024, Crains Chicago Business reported a workforce shortage in accounting in the Chicago area and across the country, resulting in growing opportunities for accounting professionals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Chicago area is the fourth largest employment market for accountants and auditors, with an annual mean wage of $89,490. Accountants with a CPA, which the MSA will help you obtain, have even higher salaries. Salary.com posts the average salary for someone with a CPA in Chicago between $73,676 and $483,604.

Delivery Format

Achieve your MSA in as little as 18 months. Courses in GovState's 30-credit hour MSA are offered in hybrid and online formats to meet the needs of both domestic and international students.

5-Year MSA

The 5-Year MSA Admission Track will prepare students for professional accounting positions in public accounting firms and other positions in industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. Students will earn their BS degree at GovState after completing 120 credit hours and their MS degree after completing 30 additional credit hours. Undergraduate Accounting majors at Governors State University may elect to enroll in this track, once they have reached “junior” status.

What You'll Study

As a Master of Science in Accounting student, you’ll develop advanced accounting knowledge and practical skills that support accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and ethical decision‑making. The curriculum combines rigorous technical training with real‑world application, preparing you for professional practice and CPA‑track careers.

Core Areas of Study

Financial Accounting & Reporting
Study advanced financial accounting standards and reporting requirements, including analysis of financial statements and disclosures.

Auditing & Assurance
Learn audit principles, risk assessment, internal controls, and professional standards used in public and internal auditing environments.

Taxation
Examine federal income taxation for individuals and entities, including tax planning, compliance, and regulatory considerations.

Managerial & Cost Accounting
Develop skills to analyze costs, budgets, and performance metrics to support internal planning and strategic decision‑making.

Accounting Information Systems
Explore the role of technology in accounting, including transaction processing, internal controls, and data integrity within accounting systems.

Professional Ethics & Regulation
Gain an understanding of ethical responsibilities, professional judgment, and the regulatory environment governing the accounting profession.

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How to Apply

(No GMAT/GRE Required)

Hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field (students from other majors may need preparatory coursework)
Submit official undergraduate transcripts
Provide two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
Submit a two‑page statement of intent describing your career goals, interest in the MSA program, and relevant experience
Upload a current résumé outlining academic and professional background
Demonstrate basic quantitative and technical readiness (such as spreadsheets or accounting systems) through coursework or experience

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Graduate applicants are responsible for securing their own funding, but several resources can help support your graduate education. We encourage applicants to explore any tuition assistance or reimbursement programs offered by their employers, as well as scholarship opportunities available through Governors State University’s Scholarship Universe. Veterans, active‑duty service members, and military‑connected applicants are also encouraged to connect with GSU’s Veterans Resource Center to learn about available education benefits. Completing the FAFSA may help determine eligibility for federal aid options at the graduate level.

Learn More about Financial Aid

Meet Jaylon Garner

Meet Jaylon, who during his undergraduate accounting career obtained internships at Baker Tilly, and Deloitte as well as being a student influencer for the Illinois CPA Society.