Whether or not you earn a CPA depends on the kind of job you want to pursue. If you want to work in public accounting at a Big 4 or regional accounting firm, or you want to earn an upper-level accounting role, a CPA is crucial. This requires additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Earning those 120 credit hours through the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree or the Graduate Certificate in Accounting will give you a deep understanding of the material and prepare you for the CPA exam.

If you want to pursue a career as a tax auditor, an internal auditor, a government auditor, cost manager, or a staff accountant, a CPA usually isn’t necessary. Our Graduate Certificate in Accounting offers additional experience in this field to people with an undergraduate degree in accounting. The Graduate Certificate in Internal Audit prepares you for a career assessing a company’s risk, identifying controls, and evaluating legal and regulatory compliance.

The Kelley Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) delivers long-term career stability and financial security. When you’re first starting out as an accountant and a CPA, having a master’s degree may not make a big difference. But five years down the road, when it’s time for your big promotion, you’ll be competing with candidates who have only a CPA and an undergraduate degree. Having that master’s degree training will help you stand out.  

Also, if you decide to move into the private sector, these employers are typically looking for someone with a master’s degree.

The Kelley School of Business has a reputation for excellence that stretches far beyond Indiana. We have long-standing relationships with top accounting firms and global companies, such as EY, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Lilly, and Cummins. When you earn a Kelley graduate degree, it means something to hiring managers.

The Master of Science in Accounting prepares you for a future in accounting. Kelley professors complete ongoing, cutting-edge research that shapes the accounting profession and populates future textbooks. We also have faculty members who work full-time in the industry and share the most practical and hands-on lessons in the classroom.

Our convenient location in the thriving downtown IU Indianapolis campus perfectly positions you to complete year-round internships with local companies and interact with corporate and accounting firm recruiters who visit campus to meet our students. Because of our central location and evening classes, you can also work full-time while earning this master’s degree, offering you flexibility to grow your career without pausing it.

If you’re unsure about pursuing a master’s degree, the Kelley School of Business Indianapolis offers three specialized graduate certificates. These certificates offer a flexible path by allowing you to take the necessary coursework without committing to a full master’s degree. You can decide later to apply the 12 credits you earn in a certificate towards a master’s degree if you choose to pursue the MSA in the future.

Our three graduate certificates:

• The Graduate Certificate in Accounting is best suited for someone with a bachelor’s degree in accounting who wants to get their CPA.
• The Graduate Certificate in Internal Audit offers advanced training to effectively evaluate and company’s internal financial or operational controls.
• The Graduate Certificate in Taxation is ideal for someone with a law or finance background looking to specialize in tax planning.

To determine the right accounting path for you, consider your career goals, educational background, and whether you plan to become a CPA. Answer these questions:

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, or are you working towards one?

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and the Graduate Certificate in Accounting are best suited for people who aim to become CPAs and work in public accounting. The Graduate Certificate in Accounting can be used as a stepping stone to the MSA for those who are not ready to fully commit to a master’s degree.

Do you have a non-accounting bachelor’s degree?

If you do not hold an undergraduate accounting degree, you can still pursue the Graduate Certificate in Internal Audit or the Graduate Certificate in Taxation. These programs offer you the ability to gain specialized knowledge without committing to a full master’s degree.