Master of Science in Accounting at University of Washington

The Master of Science in Accounting program at University of Washington Bothell boosts your career trajectory with the foundational knowledge needed wherever your career takes you — to CPA or CFO. With both part-time and full-time options, our program is ideal for busy working professionals and recent graduates.

Master of Science in Accounting graduates can work in public accounting or private accounting. Students develop critical thinking, data analysis and research skills, and build specialized areas of knowledge. Many MSA graduates become certified public accountants (CPAs). For those who want work as a public accountant, the MSA degree satisfies the fifth-year educational requirement for taking the CPA exam. The program also prepares graduates for roles as internal auditors, managerial accountants, tax examiners, budget analysts, and government auditors. 

Required MSA courses are taught in Bellevue at the Eastside Leadership Center, and electives courses are offered at the ELC or the Bothell campus. The program begins each September. Core courses are typically taught autumn, winter, spring and summer quarters on weeknights from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. We also offer some electives on Saturday mornings.

The career outlook in the accounting field is bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for accountants and auditors are expected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all professions. In Washington state, the outlook is even better, with expected job growth of 18 percent. The BLS reports that prospects will be strongest for those with advanced training in the field, such as those with a master’s degree and/or CPA license.