Earning a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting degree is an essential step on the path to Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials and career advancement in accounting, auditing, tax preparation and more.
Offered both full-time and part-time, the master’s in accounting degree program at University of Cincinnati's Lindner College of Business is designed to open the door to additional opportunities and prepare business problem solvers for their future careers at their own pace. We welcome students with or without an undergraduate degree in accounting or a prior background in the field.
The MS in Accounting program curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the workplace once they graduate. Our faculty help students develop the tools utilized by top accounting firms as well as build comprehensive knowledge in core areas of business and how to best apply those frameworks to real-world challenges. Student who do not come from an accounting background will be required to take additional accounting prerequisite courses.
Courses in the MS in Accounting program include:
Degree requirements for the MS in Accounting degree include:
Not only does the MS in Accounting program provide the knowledge and skill set needed to work at the highest level in any area of accounting, but it also prepares students for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination, a distinction needed to pursue certain accounting careers.
The accounting program’s educational and credit hour requirements are specifically designed to cover all of the material typically tested by the CPA exam, including subjects not usually taught in undergraduate programs. Graduates of the Lindner MS in Accounting program are qualified to sit for the CPA exam in Ohio and also the tests proctored in most other states.
The basic educational requirements for admission to the CPA examination in Ohio are:
Experience-based learning is an integral component of Lindner’s Master of Science in Accounting program. Embedded in every course is a dedication to hands-on learning that elevates your educational experience beyond the classroom. You’ll test-drive your skills with real-world projects that connect you to industry partners and the current challenges they are facing, ensuring you graduate career-ready from day one.
Students benefit from a robust community of faculty, staff, classmates, alumni and industry partners prepared to aid them in their journeys. Enjoy networking opportunities with professionals at top organizations, company visits to Fortune 500 headquarters and course projects that challenge you to solve real-world problems. The Lindner student experience is unmatched as students learn inside and outside of the classroom, forming invaluable bonds that propel them in their journeys.
Associate Professor - Educator of Operations, Business Analytics, and Information Systems, Accounting
As a CPA, Molly Rogers career has spanned industries and includes stints at Ernst and Young and St. Elizabeth Healthcare. She teaches courses across accounting including electives in healthcare finance.
Assistant Professor, Accounting
Jason Bangert is a licensed CPA in the state of Missouri with research interests in capital markets, financial reporting and corporate governance. He teaches courses in tax and financial accounting.
Professor, Accounting
With research interests in accounting disclosure, earnings quality and corporate governance, Linna Shi has published research in top journals including the Journal of Corporate Finance and the Journal of Accounting, Auditing & Finance.
Cincinnati is home to the headquarters of eight Fortune 500 companies and lays claim to one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the nation, with nearly $100 million invested in venture capital alone. Cincinnati’s thriving scene of professional opportunities, artistic inspiration and social energy is what fuels us to go above and beyond.
The Carl H. Lindner College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Application deadlines vary based on term of enrollment. A full list of application requirements can be found via the application checklist.
Earning an MS in Accounting opens the door onto a wide array of career opportunities. Begin your journey at Lindner.
January 21, 2026
With an eye towards the evolving business landscape, the Carl H. Lindner College of Business is meeting the moment with the introduction of a master’s degree program in artificial intelligence (AI) management.
November 10, 2025
Five master’s of information systems (MS IS) students took home fifth place out of 23 universities at the International ERPsim Competition hosted by HEC Montreal during the recent spring semester. The competition tests students’ knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and their ability to adapt to challenging business problems.
October 16, 2025
Safety+Health magazine highlighted research by Lindner College of Business doctoral candidates and faculty. The workplace safety-focused publication used the study's data to explain the benefits of reducing emotional exhaustion could be for both employers and employees.
