Master of Accounting

Our personalized program prepares you for that first accounting job — and the lifetime of your business career.

Whatever accounting path you choose to follow, a WashU Olin Business School education will help you get where you want to go. We offer three degree formats and many different electives so you can dig deep into your interests. 

In pursuing this degree, you’ll be positioned to meet the 150-credit-hour requirement for the CPA credential. Last year, first-time CPA exam candidates from our program had the fourth highest passing rate among medium-sized programs across the country, according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)—and it was #1 for Missouri!

Choose your path

We offer a highly tailored educational experience to ensure you meet and exceed your individual goals.

Accelerated option

Our Master of Accounting accelerated option is your fastest path to jumpstarting your accounting career. Available in fall 2025.

• Earn your degree in just 2 semesters (9 months)
• STEM-designated degree
• 50% of credits are elective

Traditional option

This option is designed for students who want to enhance their degree with a summer internship opportunity.

• Take 3 semesters to earn your degree
• STEM-designated degree
• 50% of credits are elective

4+1 option

Current WashU undergrads—in any field of study—can save time and money when they earn an accounting master's on top of their undergraduate degree. Learn more.

• Apply in your junior year
• Finish in as short as 1 semester
• STEM-designated degree

Set yourself apart

Today’s successful accountants need more than technical skills—they require critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strong leadership qualities. As an accountant, you have broad exposure to business operations, making you an attractive mid-career candidate for many industries. A WashU accounting master’s degree prepares you for a flourishing career at Big Four firms. Our classes, intentionally small and taught by top industry professionals, allow you to find your niche as a professional.

A unique learning experience

“Because of our small size, our faculty know our students by name and story. These strong faculty–student relationships last beyond graduation and benefit students for the length of their careers.”

Prof. Plunkett, professor of practice in accounting, retired PwC partner

Beta Alpha Psi

WashU Olin’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), the international honor society for students of accountancy, finance, and information systems, including data analytics and digital technology, received a prestigious “Silver Chapter of the Year” award this year.

The award recognizes the chapter’s extensive professional events and essential skills programs and its involvement in community service and other activities. Many employers look favorably upon membership in BAP as demonstrating your commitment to the profession and to developing your leadership and other soft skills.

The club holds weekly Professional & Essential Skills events with guest speakers from companies like PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, First Bank, Edward Jones, and JP Morgan. 

BAP has over 300 chapters on college and university campuses with over 300,000 members initiated.

Learn more about our Beta Alpha Psi chapter.