Analytical Accounting for an Evolving World
The STEM-designated Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management teaches the technical aspects of accounting, cultivates analytical abilities, and promotes an in-depth understanding of the role of accounting in the world at large.
BC MSA classes are small, fostering a strong sense of community and collegiality, and students have access to some of the finest teachers and researchers in the world.
With the BC MSA, you’ll be equipped to develop information systems, help formulate business strategy, calculate the costs and benefits of adopting new technologies, and advise corporate leaders on business issues ranging from operational controls and international tax minimization strategies to mergers and acquisitions.
150 credit hours meet the CPA credit hours requirement Accounting Program, U.S. News & World Report Business School Specialty Rankings
30 % higher first-time CPA pass rate than the national average
Full-Time, 10–12-Month Program
Flexible, Customizable Curriculum
Master of Science in Accounting
The BC MSA is a full-time, STEM-designated program that offers a flexible curriculum tailored to the academic background of each student.
Students begin the program in September and must complete a minimum of 11 courses by May or August, depending upon individual course load. Students who were not undergraduate accounting majors may be required to complete up to 13 courses to meet degree requirements.
Individuals who have not completed economics and basic finance or financial management before beginning the MSA program will be required to complete these courses before graduating.
→ Required coursework is determined by faculty through the review of a student’s academic transcripts.
→ Once admitted, students receive a personalized course worksheet, which outlines their individual course plan.
→ All MSA students are required to complete six STEMdesignated courses, which will be noted on individual course worksheets.
The program’s STEM designation allows international MSA graduates on an F-1 visa to potentially qualify for an additional 24 months of training in their field of study (called Optional Practical Training, or OPT) beyond the standard 12 months.
MSA Curriculum
◆ Students who have taken the above courses as undergraduates may be eligible to replace them with graduate electives from the Carroll School of Management.
Preparation and Performance
For many BC MSA students, the most popular professional starting point is in public accounting. Your early success starts by passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination. ▴ Students must complete Managerial Statistics, a self-paced, online, asynchronous course, during the summer prior to arriving on campus.
Since 2012, more than a dozen BC students have earned the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award for their CPA Exam performance.
I developed a strong relationship with my career advisor. She would consistently reach out to me with internship opportunities, interesting panels, and career-relevant articles and videos. She always encouraged me to be myself, to pick up my confidence, and step out of my comfort zone to do better.
Yuqiong a lli S on Zhang, MS a ’20, Senior Consultant, EY
Careers & Alumni Network
Career Development
BC MSA students go on to jobs at public accounting firms, especially at the Big Four—Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—as well as other prominent firms. The Office of Career Development works closely with BC MSA candidates to craft resumes and cover letters as well as enhance their interviewing skills.
The Boston College Network
Boston College enjoys an exceptionally loyal and active alumni network, which offers its students and graduates numerous opportunities to make connections and accelerate their careers.
Representative List of Hiring Employers 2022–2024
Alvarez and Marsal
Amy Cai, CPA. Inc
Andersen
Anstiss & Co.
Baker Newman Noyes
Bosera Asset Management
CBTC Bank
China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd
China National Offshore Oil
Hague, Sahady & Co., P.C.
HNA Trust Management
KPMG
KPMG Huazhen LLP
Marcum LLP
Padilla and Company LLP
PwC
Robert Half
→ Learn more at bc.edu/msa-careers
212,000 + Boston College Alumni
43,000 + Carroll School Alumni
# 1
Best U.S. Cities for Graduate Students, QS Top Universities
20 Minutes to Downtown Boston
5,700 + Community Service Hours, 2024–2025
10 Graduate Student Clubs and Organizations
BC Experience & Boston
Our community of professors, staff, and students supports each other to thrive personally and academically. Students can choose to participate in any of the 10 graduate student organizations to enrich their experience. From the Graduate Management Association to Invest ’n Kids, an on-campus tutoring and mentoring program, there’s something for everyone.
BC’s beautiful Chestnut Hill Campus is just a short drive or “T” ride to downtown Boston, a global hub for healthcare, finance, insurance, and higher education that’s also home to championship sports teams and vibrant cultural offerings.
20-Hour Service Requirement
The Carroll School is committed to instilling a strong sense of community service in our graduate students, furthering Boston College’s Jesuit tradition of service to others. Students serve as mentors or tutors in underserved communities or provide pro bono professional services to local nonprofit organizations.
→ Learn more about graduate student life at bc.edu/csomgrad-student-life
75 % of MSA students enrolled in Fall 2025 received merit-based Dean’s Scholarships
Admission & Financial Aid
As you go through the admission process for the BC MSA, our team is here to support you—through one-on-one chats, student panel webinars, and admission tips and advice.
Application Requirements:
R Transcripts of all academic work
R Personal essay
R A letter of recommendation
R GMAT or GRE scores from within the past five years. Qualified candidates can request consideration for a GMAT/GRE waiver.
R Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
R All candidates must be graduates of accredited colleges or universities.
Financial Assistance
The Graduate Admission Office awards a range of merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships to both domestic and international students. University Student Services also facilitates the federal financial aid process for qualified students.
→ For more information visit bc.edu/csomgrad-admission
GMAT/GRE Waiver Policy & Form
Get to Know the MSA Class of 2026
MSA students come to BC from different professional backgrounds, bringing with them unique life experiences and diverse interests and motivations. In small classes, our MSA students form the core of a lifelong network and collaborate to achieve more, together. My best piece of advice to prospective students is to network with classmates, professors, and alumni, who want you to succeed. Also, take advantage of BC career resources as much as possible. I got my job from an in-person career event where I was able to meet with professionals face to face and advance directly to an interview.
Boston College Carroll School of Management publications contain current information regarding the University calendar, admissions, degree requirements, fees, regulations, and course offerings. They are not intended to be and should not be relied upon as a statement of the University’s contractual undertakings.
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