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Explore CU Denver Programs

Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.

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  • Master of Science in Accounting

Master of Science in Accounting

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Program Overview
Student Testimonials
Alumni Success Stories
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Program Overview
Student Testimonials
Alumni Success Stories
FAQ

Program Overview

A diverse community of number-loving professionals, the MS in Accounting program is built for those ready to advance their careers. The program touts an AACSB accounting accreditation, flexible scheduling, and dual degree paths. Most in the MS in Accounting program are preparing for the CPA exam.

katherine-gunny

Katherine Gunny

Assistant Professor

Email:

Katherine.Gunny@ucdenver.edu

Phone:

303-315-8431

Go beyond typical accounting education with an MS in Accounting from CU Denver Business School. Aligned with US GAAP and featuring an AACSB accounting accreditation (awarded to less than 2% of programs worldwide), this program is largely focused on getting students to pass the CPA exam.

A CPA designation is required for most public accounting firm jobs and will also help you maximize a career in corporate accounting. Accounting jobs are found in nearly all corporate, public sector, and non-profit organizations. There are over 46,000 US public accounting firms. Key areas include audit, tax, and corporate accounting. This degree path will prepare students for roles such as auditor, financial planner, accounting manager, chief financial officer, and more.

This program is designed to be as flexible as possible to allow individuals the ability to choose their own educational journey. Take classes full-time or part-time, online or in person. Every course of this degree path has been selected by expert faculty members and seasoned accounting professionals, ensuring the curriculum caters to industry standards and future trends.

The curriculum consists of a total of 30 credit hours. Students take 24 credits of core classes. Course topics include, but aren't limited to: auditing theory, advanced financial accounting, accounting information systems, taxation of business entities, and accounting ethics. Additionally, the curriculum includes seminar classes that cover financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and more.

6 credits of accounting electives, allowing individuals to dive deeper into areas that are most relevant to their future goals. Choose from topics such as: accounting for government and nonprofits, international accounting, accounting for finance and sustainability, and fraud auditing.

To further students' careers, the MS in Accounting program has four key learning pillars that they will graduate having mastered: analyze critically, behave ethically, communicate effectively, and leverage technology. Upon graduation, students have the technical skills and business acumen to take on complex accounting problems, manage accounting teams, and provide financial aptitude on an organizational level.

Why MS in Accounting at CU Denver?

 

AACSB Accreditation

Less than 2% of programs worldwide have an AACSB accounting accreditation. This accreditation is known worldwide to indicate that a business school is of the highest quality.

CPA Preparation

This program includes courses specifically designed to target the CPA exam.

Big Four

The Big Four accounting firms directly recruit our students every fall for internships and full-time jobs: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ernst & Young, and KPMG

Learn on Your Time

Take advantage of online and evening class options, and full- or part-time course loads.

Engaging Environments

Classes feature a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, which means you get the most out of your education.

Active Advisory Council

Run by top accounting professionals in the area, the accounting advisory council organizes networking events that give students unparalleled access to Denver business leaders.

Scholarships Available

Several scholarships are offered.

Dual Degree Paths

Pair your MS in Accounting with a variety of MBA or Business School MS programs.

Program Description

Go beyond typical accounting education with an MS in Accounting from CU Denver Business School. Aligned with US GAAP and featuring an AACSB accounting accreditation (awarded to less than 2% of programs worldwide), this program is largely focused on getting students to pass the CPA exam.

A CPA designation is required for most public accounting firm jobs and will also help you maximize a career in corporate accounting. Accounting jobs are found in nearly all corporate, public sector, and non-profit organizations. There are over 46,000 US public accounting firms. Key areas include audit, tax, and corporate accounting. This degree path will prepare students for roles such as auditor, financial planner, accounting manager, chief financial officer, and more.

This program is designed to be as flexible as possible to allow individuals the ability to choose their own educational journey. Take classes full-time or part-time, online or in person. Every course of this degree path has been selected by expert faculty members and seasoned accounting professionals, ensuring the curriculum caters to industry standards and future trends.

The curriculum consists of a total of 30 credit hours. Students take 24 credits of core classes. Course topics include, but aren't limited to: auditing theory, advanced financial accounting, accounting information systems, taxation of business entities, and accounting ethics. Additionally, the curriculum includes seminar classes that cover financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and more.

6 credits of accounting electives, allowing individuals to dive deeper into areas that are most relevant to their future goals. Choose from topics such as: accounting for government and nonprofits, international accounting, accounting for finance and sustainability, and fraud auditing.

To further students' careers, the MS in Accounting program has four key learning pillars that they will graduate having mastered: analyze critically, behave ethically, communicate effectively, and leverage technology. Upon graduation, students have the technical skills and business acumen to take on complex accounting problems, manage accounting teams, and provide financial aptitude on an organizational level.

Why MS in Accounting at CU Denver?

 

AACSB Accreditation

Less than 2% of programs worldwide have an AACSB accounting accreditation. This accreditation is known worldwide to indicate that a business school is of the highest quality.

CPA Preparation

This program includes courses specifically designed to target the CPA exam.

Big Four

The Big Four accounting firms directly recruit our students every fall for internships and full-time jobs: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ernst & Young, and KPMG

Learn on Your Time

Take advantage of online and evening class options, and full- or part-time course loads.

Engaging Environments

Classes feature a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, which means you get the most out of your education.

Active Advisory Council

Run by top accounting professionals in the area, the accounting advisory council organizes networking events that give students unparalleled access to Denver business leaders.

Scholarships Available

Several scholarships are offered.

Dual Degree Paths

Pair your MS in Accounting with a variety of MBA or Business School MS programs.

Program Features

30 + Credit Hours (possible prerequisites)

Credit Hours

7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures a personalized experience.

Student-Faculty Ratio

GMAT/GRE testing is optional but may be required in some circumstances.

GMAT/GRE

Evening and online class options are available.

Flexible Modality

Separately accredited by AACSB.

Third-Party Accreditation

Applicants must have an undergraduate program from an accredited U.S. college or international equivalent, along with professional experience or GMAT/GRE score.

Admission Requirements

The program is aligned with US GAAP and international financial reporting standards and practices.

Standards and Practices

Student Testimonials

amanda_pajonk
Employers are noticing CU Denver, because we are right in the middle of everything. I think that gives us an advantage, because they do know where we went to school

Amanda Pajonk

MS in Accounting (2018)

Alumni Success Stories

2018-MNG_President_Kyrsha-384x512
Kyrsha Wineinger has never had anything handed to her. She started supporting herself and living on her own at a young age. She’s worked between two to four jobs for nine years to put herself through school and get the life she always wanted. If you meet Wineinger now, she’s the model BSBA/MS Accounting student. Her resume includes a flawless academic record, president of the CU Denver chapter of the prestigious accounting fraternity Beta Alpha Psi, teaching assistant for two professors on campus, Deloitte intern, and future MS Accounting student. Hard work, a clear vision, and more hard work is what kept Wineinger on her nine-year path to success.
Read Full Story

Kyrsha Wineinger

BSBA/MS Accounting
Audit & Assurance Senior for Deloitte Denver
patrick-lytle
Patrick Lytle has always loved accounting, ever since high school. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and quickly moved to Colorado. At the time, you didn't need 150 hours to sit for the CPA exam in Colorado and he passed the first time. Eventually, when Patrick went to work for SM Energy, he would need 150 hours in order to sign audit opinions for his clients in Arizona and California due to the CPA license reciprocity rules at that time. Initially, Pat came back to school to get the additional hours. However, “I only needed three extra classes to get my masters. I had a desire to teach someday, so I thought it’s a great time in my life to go back to school.” He knew it was a great program based upon his experience in the industry.
Read Full Story

Patrick Lytle

MS in Accounting (2009)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Begin the process by applying here. There is a $50 application fee for domestic students and a $75 fee for international students. Official transcripts from each college or university attended are needed. In addition, essay responses and an updated resume are required to verify professional experience. If the necessary amount of professional experience is not met, a GRE/GMAT may be required. For international applicants, an English language proficiency test is needed.

Fall

Domestic Applications

  • Priority: April 15
  • Final: July 15

International Applications

  • Priority: March 15
  • Final: May 15

Spring

Domestic Applications

  • Priority: October 15
  • Final: December 15

International Applications

  • Priority: September 15
  • Final: October 15

The Uniform CPA Exam is required by all fifty states as well as five U.S. territories for anyone wishing to become a U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Every jurisdiction has its own educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam and to become licensed as a CPA. These requirements are subject to change and may affect the educational requirements for examination and licensure. The University has not determined if our program curriculum meets any jurisdiction licensure requirements, however, we work hard to keep our program in alignment with the Colorado State statutory and regulatory requirements. Due to the changing nature of the education requirements, it is recommended that students review these requirements regularly.

A comprehensive list is found at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as well as each state board website listed below.

Dual degree options for Master of Science programs include all of our MBA programs and all Business School Master of Science programs. Eligible Master of Science programs include business analytics, finance and risk management, global energy management, information systems, international business, management, and marketing.

If you are applying for both degrees, you will only need to submit one online application and pay one application fee. Be aware that you must meet specific admission standards for each degree.

The MS in Accounting is a highly specialized degree, with both core and elective courses focused on developing your accounting expertise. An MBA with an accounting specialization fosters a broader business foundation, emphasizing management skills alongside some specific accounting courses.

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Admission Information

Application Process

CU Denver

CU Denver

Student Commons Building

1201 Larimer Street

Denver, CO 80204


(303) 315-5969

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