Master of Science in Accounting
Get to Know the LMU M.S. in Accounting
The M.S. in Accounting at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, prepares students from all academic backgrounds for an evolving and dynamic business world. Whether your goal is to earn your California CPA license or increase your marketability, this flexible program allows you to gain the knowledge and skills you need on a full-time or part-time basis, graduating from our program in as few as 9 months or take up to 5 years.
Our versatile curriculum, supported by the robust career development and services from the LMU Accounting Society, provides the technical knowledge, analytical skills, and communication abilities necessary for roles in public and corporate accounting, management consulting, government, and non-profits. Students complete core courses in advanced accounting topics and choose from a wide variety of electives in accounting, finance, taxation, and business analytics.
M.S. in Accounting Quick Facts
- Units: 30
- Full-time: 9 months*
- Part-time: 2 years*
- Modality: On-campus
- Class Times: Weekdays and Weeknights
- Electives: Accounting, Finance, Taxation, and Business Analytics
- Special Scholarship Opportunity: Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program
- Stem-designated: Yes
*with completed prerequisites
Our M.S. in Accounting By the Numbers
Full-time Employment Rate at Graduation*
*Classes of 2023 and 2024
"Big 4" Employment Rate at Graduation*
*Classes of 2023 and 2024
Average LMU Graduate Class Size
M.S. in Accounting Admission Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a foreign institution.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Completion of the following college-level accounting courses*:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial/Cost Accounting
*It may be possible to complete these courses at LMU before you begin the M.S. in Accounting program.
All Undergraduate Majors Welcome
An undergraduate degree in accounting is not required for applicants to the M.S. in Accounting. Upon application, faculty and staff will assess each student’s academic background to create a tailored path for graduation and success. Students lacking foundational undergraduate accounting courses may need to complete these as additional units or electives. Please view our curriculum for more information.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed as they are received; there is no need to wait until a deadline to submit your application. Applicants should expect to receive an admission decision within one month of submitting a complete application.
Spring (January) 2025
- November 18, 2024: Deadline for international applicants requiring a student visa.
- December 2, 2024: Deadline for domestic applicants.
Fall (August) 2025
- January 10, 2025: Round 1
- March 10, 2025: Round 2
- May 15, 2025: Round 3 (international applicants)
- May 31, 2025: Round 3 (domestic applicants)
- We will continue to accept applications after May 31, 2025 until all spaces are full.
What Students Learn from Our M.S. in Accounting
"The accounting knowledge I gained from the program has provided a solid foundation for pursuing my CPA qualification and a career in accounting. Additionally, the career support, including job fairs and internship opportunities, has equipped me to advance in the field. Beyond acquiring technical accounting skills, I also developed valuable soft skills that have thoroughly prepared me for my career.”
Ting Song, M.S. '16
Executive Director, Alternative Investments
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
M.S. in Accounting Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Application: Resume, personal statement, and $50 fee
- GMAT/GRE test scores (waivers available)
- College/university transcripts
- Interview
International applicants have additional admission requirements.
Connect With Us
Tuition and Fees
Our M.S. in Accounting offers exceptional value without compromising quality. We understand the importance of affordability in pursuing higher education, which is why we strive to provide a competitive tuition structure. Students benefit from a robust curriculum and valuable networking opportunities, ensuring a worthwhile investment in their future.
Scholarships
All applicants who apply by the final deadline are automatically considered for all available merit scholarships; no special scholarship application is required. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of the application, including previous academic record, test scores, and work experience. Domestic and international students may qualify.
Our M.S. in Accounting offers a distinctive scholarship opportunity which requires a separate application process.
Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program
LMU is proud to join with the Deloitte Foundation to provide financial support for full-tuition scholarships toward LMU graduate accounting programs. This scholarship program endeavors to strengthen the diversity of the CPA profession.
Financial Aid
All need-based financial aid and most other aid awards at the Federal, State and University level are determined in whole or in part by the information submitted in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may submit your FAFSA and apply for financial aid prior to applying for admission to LMU. Our Financial Aid Office recommends applying for aid as soon as possible. Visit Financial Aid for financial aid application instructions and other important information regarding the types of aid you may receive.
Only United States citizens and eligible non-citizens are able to receive federal or state-funded types of financial aid. International students should visit Financial Aid for more information.
Each year, Financial Aid prepares a student expense budget defining estimated standard allowances for education costs for graduate and professional students. This Cost of Attendance budget is used to determine a student's financial aid eligibility for scholarships, grants, loans and work awards.
Career Advancement and Opportunities
Career and Professional Development at LMU offers a wealth of valuable information and learning opportunities to help guide your professional life as you pursue your career. Our team provides a full range of highly personalized services, including career advisement, employer relations, alumni networking, workshops, and assessments.
More than research centers, our Centers of Excellence within the College of Business Administration serve as hubs for collaboration among faculty, students, and the community, centered on shared interests and institutional strengths, including the Center for Asian Business, the Center for International Business Education, the Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Institute for Business Ethics and Sustainability. Our centers sponsor numerous events throughout the year, including guest speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Accounting Society
The LMU Accounting Society provides accounting and taxation students with access to job opportunities and career services tailored specifically to their needs. It provides professional development and career insights across public accounting, industry, government, and education. Key events include a “Meet the Firms” career fair each semester, networking and social events, and a popular spring banquet celebrating accounting awards and scholarships.
Connect with M.S. in Accounting Alumni
Whether it's passing the California CPA exam, increasing marketability, or acquiring essential competencies, all of our students are career-focused. Our alumni have a wide range of career paths available to them, including roles as Certified Public Accountants, controllers, auditors, financial officers, consultants, or financial analysts. For those interested in working for an accounting firm, the employment opportunities are extensive. The majority of top firms and several government agencies actively recruit LMU accounting students for full-time positions.
Alumni can remain engaged with LMU by participating in events designed to enhance their business skills, supporting current students at networking and professional development events, and contributing as guest speakers, recruiters, panelists, or judges.
Certificate Programs
LMU College of Business Administration students have the opportunity to earn several complementary certificates at no additional cost. These certificates are designed to enhance your degree program and provide specialized skills relevant to your desired field. We strongly encourage students to explore these programs and take advantage of the opportunities they offer. By pursuing certificates that align with your career goals, you will gain valuable credentials and better position yourself for future success in your chosen professions.
Never Miss a Deadline