Master of Science in Accounting
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.
#3
Accounting Program in New England, U.S. News & World Report 2026 Graduate Business School Specialty Rankings
150 credit hours meet the CPA credit hours requirement
30% higher first-time CPA pass rate than the national average
Full-Time, 10–12-Month Program STEM-Designated ▴ Flexible, Customizable Curriculum
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.
▴ STEM Designation Information
for International Students
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.
program details
Master of Science in Accounting
program details
MSA Curriculum Foundation and Core Courses
credits
Managerial Statistics ▴
0
Advanced Business Law (U.S.-based)
3
Accounting Information Systems
3
Financial Accounting Practice I
3
Financial Accounting Practice II
3
Financial Auditing
3
Federal Taxation
3
Internal Cost Management and Control
3
Financial Statement Analysis
3
Assurance and Consulting Services
3
Forensic Accounting
3
Total Credit Hours ◆
30
▴
Students must complete Managerial Statistics, a self-paced, online, asynchronous course, during the summer prior to arriving on campus.
◆
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.
Since 2012, more than a dozen BC students have earned the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award for their CPA Exam performance.
I knew the program would prepare me well for a career in accounting. BC professors are experts in their fields and our courses are very applicable to both CPA exam material and the accounting field as a whole. Emma Phelan, MSA ’24, Assurance Senior Associate, PwC
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.
Sample List of Hiring Employers 2022–2025 Alvarez & Marsal
hoolihome
Andersen
digiM
KPMG
Baker Newman Noyes
EY
Padilla & Company LLP
BDO
Foxconn
PwC
China Minsheng Bank
Grant Thornton
Robert Half
Citizens Bank
Hague, Sahady & Co.
SmartLabs
Crowe
HNA Trust Management
→
Learn more at bc.edu/msa-careers
215,100+ 44,300+ Boston College Alumni
Carroll School Alumni
Careers & Alumni
Deloitte
#1
20
5,100+
10
Best U.S. Cities for Graduate Students, QS Top Universities
Minutes to Downtown Boston
Community Service Hours, 2025–2026
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.
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
bc & boston
20-Hour Service Requirement
100% of MSA students enrolled in Fall 2026 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 admission & Financial Aid
Get to Know the MSA Class of 2027 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. Academic Profile Average Undergraduate GPA
3.5
Average GMAT (Focus)
638
Average GRE
323
Percent of Students with an Undergraduate Accounting Degree
48%
CLASS COMPOSITION Average Age
23
Age Range
20–32
One of the highlights of my MSA experience at BC was working on real-life case studies in classes taught by professors with extensive industry experience. Their insights went beyond textbooks. They brought complex scenarios into the classroom, and they challenged us to think like professionals. Robert Ramirez, MSA ’25, Audit & Assurance Associate, Deloitte
Start exploring the BC MSA! bc.edu/msa
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.
Office of Graduate Admission 140 Commonwealth Avenue Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467-3808 617-552-3920 bcmba@bc.edu bc.edu/csom
→
Learn more about the MSA
accreditation information may be accessed at: bc.edu/csom-accreditation nondiscrimination notice may be accessed at: bc.edu/nondiscrimination campus safety and security program may be accessed at: bc.edu/campus-safety
Produced by the Office of University Communications
August 2026