Masters in Accounting

The CU Denver MS Accounting program is backed by an active advisory council of top Denver accounting professionals. These industry leaders collaborate to provide invaluable networking opportunities and ensure the curriculum stays relevant to the demands of today’s business world. Develop meaningful relationships with professors who are dedicated to your success and prepare to take your accounting career to new heights.  

Program Features:

Get CPA exam ready: Take courses specifically designed to cover the material on the CPA exam, equipping you to meet the certification requirements in Colorado.  

Prime downtown Denver location: Study in the heart of Denver’s bustling business district, where you’ll stay connected to local industries with a global perspective.  

Exclusive networking opportunities: Participate in events hosted by Denver-based companies, organized by our active advisory council, and build connections with leaders in the field.  

Career changers welcome: If you’re transitioning into accounting, CU Denver offers additional coursework to help you strengthen your accounting and business fundamentals.  

Lifetime career support: Gain lifelong access to our Business Career Center, which has over a decade of experience in recruiting and advising. With connections to more than 300 business partners, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to:  

• Career workshops: Refine your resume, LinkedIn profile, and job search strategies.  
• Individual appointments: Chart your personal career path, receive resume feedback, or participate in mock interviews.  
• Career events: Build your networking skills and meet hiring managers from leading organizations.  
• Job announcements: Receive monthly emails with tailored job and internship opportunities.  

Our curriculum consists of 30 credit hours and is aligned with the US GAAP and international financial reporting standards and practices. We offer courses targeting topics covered on the CPA exam, so you’ll be well-prepared when you sit for the exam. 

Accounting prerequisite coursework (9 hours)

If you have not had a formal accounting education, you will need to complete an additional three courses or 9 hours of prerequisite coursework to ensure you have a strong accounting foundation. This coursework does not need to be completed at the time of admission and can be waived based on previous academic coursework.

Core classes (21 hours)

Core classes give you a strong foundation in all areas of accounting. Course topics include:

• Auditing theory
• Accounting information systems
• Taxation of business entities
• Seminar: Financial Accounting
• Seminar: Managerial Accounting
• Accounting ethics
• Seminar: Auditing and other assurance services

Accounting electives (9 hours)

Electives allow you to dive deeper into the areas of accounting that are most relevant for your future career. Course topics include:

• Accounting for government and nonprofits
• International accounting
• Accounting for finance and sustainability
• Fraud auditing

Accounting graduates from the University of Colorado Denver have a wide array of career paths available, particularly in public accounting, where obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is highly recommended. While a CPA designation is not mandatory for all accounting careers, it significantly enhances career prospects across the field due to its prestige and recognition.

CPAs are highly sought after and typically command higher salaries and more career opportunities compared to non-CPA counterparts. The path to becoming a CPA involves successfully completing the Uniform CPA Examination, which is part of the broader licensure requirements known as the four E's: Education, Examination, Ethics, and Experience.

CPA licensure requirements vary by state, often making the process seem overwhelming. Each state mandates that candidates complete a minimum of 150 credit hours, whereas a typical bachelor's degree in accounting provides only 120 credit hours, insufficient to meet these requirements on its own.

It's crucial for students aiming to become CPAs to thoroughly research and understand the specific licensure requirements of the state or states where they plan to practice. Each state’s board of accountancy provides detailed, sometimes complex requirements that can frequently change. Prospective CPAs should consult these guidelines early in their educational journey to ensure compliance and readiness for licensure.

Tuition

The cost of tuition for the MS Accounting degree is different for in-state and out-of-state students.

Residents of western states may qualify for in-state tuition. The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) requires that students maintain current residency of WRGP state until degree completion.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students. As a current student, you can apply for scholarships every semester. Some awards are based on program and course enrollment.