Accounting MS

Our Master of Science (MS) in Accounting program is one of the nation's largest and most respected! We provide a generalist, hands-on approach that emphasizes conceptual understanding, analytical methods and logical reasoning.

By incorporating current accounting principles and applied research techniques, our students gain unique opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Your guide to an SOM graduate degree

 Join us for an information session to learn more about how our graduate programs can set you up for success! We'll discuss program eligibility, curriculum, the application process, and answer any questions you may have.

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Program Overview

Binghamton University's School of Management takes pride in the reputation of its MS Accounting program, with 100% of recent graduates receiving full-time job offers prior to graduation.

Binghamton also ranks among the nation’s top public colleges for graduates who secure high-paying jobs in accounting.

Within our program, students learn from experienced and distinguished faculty and work alongside competitive peers who are highly motivated in a rigorous curriculum.

As the accounting industry continues to evolve, students will need new technical skills and proficiencies to successfully navigate their career.

Utilizing case studies and software such as Visio, SAP, Alteryx, Tableau and Mathematica, our courses integrate best practices from growing areas and give students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with:

  • Data analysis and visualization
  • Programming (such as Python and R)
  • Blockchain
  • Cybersecurity
  • Decision making using real-world datasets
  • Constrained optimization problems

Binghamton's School of Management holds a separate AACSB accounting accreditation. Fewer than 25% of AACSB-accredited institutions have this distinction.

After You Graduate

School of Management graduates wishing to enter the workforce are recruited by acclaimed companies. Binghamton University is a leading source of new hires for the Big Four accounting firms: EY, PwC, Deloitte and KPMG.

With the school’s strong national reputation, alumni are also actively sought out by regional firms and government agencies such as the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Our MS Accounting program also provides a solid theoretical foundation for students who intend to pursue a doctoral degree following graduation. 

MS Accounting Coursework and Curriculum

Our one year, 32-credit hour MS Accounting program is designed for undergraduate accounting majors looking to further advance their career.

While intended primarily for accounting undergraduates from AACSB-accredited programs, we welcome students with little or no accounting/business coursework to apply. These students may pursue the program in an extended time frame (typically two years) and will need additional core background coursework, which may be taken while enrolled in the program.

A broad range of courses are available in auditing and assessment, as well as financial and managerial accounting. You can also choose to pursue an academic concentration in taxation. In addition to the required coursework, students may choose electives from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program to enrich their course of study.

Fall Semester Spring Semester
ACCT 540: Financial Accounting Theory or ACCT 541: Auditing and Managerial Accounting Theory (4 credits) ACCT 540: Financial Accounting Theory or ACCT 541: Auditing and Managerial Accounting Theory (4 credits)
ACCT 573: Individual Tax (4 credits) MGMT 530: Ethical Issues in Business (2 credits)
ACCT 555: Advanced Accounting Theory (4 credits) MGMT 516: Business Communications (2 credits)
ACCT 550: Accounting Information Systems (4 credits) Elective (4 credits)
  Elective (4 credits)
Total credits: 16 Total credits: 16

Core background coursework requirements are Principles in Microeconomics/Macroeconomics, Financial Accounting, Statistics for Management, Cost Accounting, Intermediate Accounting Theory I and II, Auditing, Entity Taxation (corporate tax), Business Law I and II, Organizational Behavior, Finance, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations Management.

MS Accounting Tax Concentration Coursework and Curriculum

The taxation concentration is currently on pause for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Prerequisite: Entities Taxation (Corporate Tax)

Binghamton University's MS Accounting Tax Concentration is designed to prepare students for future careers as financial leaders in taxation. With a mixture of specialized and integrative tax courses, this one-year program provides a comprehensive understanding of modern tax and policy issues, developing the necessary skills to excel within accounting.

While most accountants have a general understanding of basic tax principles, those who specialize in taxation establish professions as advisors, consultants, and strategists in tax-related issues for both individuals and organizations. Courses are taught by experts directly from the field, alongside Binghamton faculty, offering years of experience to ensure a quality blend of theory and practice.

Students are required to complete 18 credits of tax-related courses which are available only through the MS Accounting Program. Admission to the concentration occurs only during the fall semester, and requires students to have an undergraduate degree in accounting from a U.S. accredited program.

Before you apply

Applicants interested in the MS Accounting Tax concentration are asked to please reach out to somadvis@binghamton.edu prior to submitting an application.

Fall Semester Spring Semester
ACCT 540: Financial Accounting Theory or ACCT 541: Auditing and Managerial Accounting Theory (4 credits) ACCT 540: Financial Accounting Theory or ACCT 541: Auditing and Managerial Accounting Theory (4 credits)
ACCT 573: Individual Taxation (4 credits) ACCT 555: Advanced Accounting Theory (4 credits)
MGMT 530: Global & Ethical Environments (2 credits) ACCT 583E: Taxation of Business Transactions (4 credits)
ACCT 583A: Asset Management Tax (2 credits) ACCT 583D: International Tax (2 credits)
ACCT 583H: Finance Acct – Aspects of Income Tax (2 credits) ACCT 583G: Capstone Project in Taxation (2 credits)
ACCT 583I: State and Local Tax (2 credits)  
Total credits: 16 Total credits: 16

Admissions

The MS Accounting program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Information on admissions, financial aid, housing, program costs and visiting Binghamton University's campus is presented on the Graduate School.

Complete instructions for applying to Binghamton University are available on the Graduate School's how to apply webpage.

If you have questions regarding application submission, contact the Graduate School at 607–777–2151, or gradadmission@binghamton.edu.

While we accept GMAT and GRE scores for consideration, they are not required for our MS Acounting program. 

Students admitted into this program option typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with significant work experience and/or strong GMAT/GRE scores (while not required) are also considered for admission.

Current Binghamton accounting majors: Binghamton University School of Management accounting undergraduates apply to this program through Binghamton University’s Accounting 4+1 program. You must begin your application by accessing BU Brain via the myBinghamton Portal. 

Learn more about Binghamton University's 4+1 application process at this link.

Contact somgrad@binghamton.edu or call (607) 777-4696 with questions. You can also contact:

Application Procedures for Teaching Assistant and Graduate Assistant Positions

All eligible applicants for admission are considered for assistantship positions within the academic area that they are applying to during the admissions process. The department evaluates all their existing and incoming graduate students and then decides who to award an assistantship to. Essentially everyone that is eligible for admission along with current students are considered for assistantships.

How to become a Graduate Assistant

Deadlines

Degree Fall Spring
MS in Accounting March 15 (recommended) December 1 (recommended)

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