Master's of Accounting (iMSA)

Applications for Summer and Fall 2025 are open. Apply now!

Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois logo

Master's of Accounting (iMSA)

Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois

Summer application deadline: March 6

Start your application or request more information.

Apply

Accredited diploma

Offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Taught in English

Engage in group discussions with professors and peers

18-36 months

32 credit hours of graduate coursework

100% online

Hands-on learning from anywhere, no travel required

$21,492 - $27,200 USD total cost

Depending on elective course choices

Career Outcomes

As one of the largest suppliers of leaders in the accounting profession,  Gies graduates include legions of accounting firm partners, CFOs, entrepreneurs, and other business leaders. 

  • 76% of iMSA graduates reported that they started a better job upon graduation

  • iMSA graduates tell us they received an average raise of 22% during and immediately after their iMSA program

This MS in Accountancy will enable you to gain a competitive advantage in the job market. Future employers search for candidates who excelled in studies and also possess important non-technical professional business skills. The iMSA team designs impactful opportunities for students to develop those skills.

When you graduate, you'll be:

  • An expert in using analytics and automation in accounting work

  • A highly sought-after candidate in the field

  • Proficient and knowledgeable in audit, financial reporting, tax, and in managing and analyzing data

  • Valued for your skills in communications and teamwork

  • Poised for a successful career in accounting

Application Deadlines:

  • Summer/Fall Applications Open: January 6, 2025
  • Summer Deadline: March 6, 2025
  • Fall Priority Deadline: April 3, 2025

Upcoming Events:

  • Lunch and Learn | February 7, 2025 at 12 PM CT - Register here
  • iDegree Webinar | February 12, 2025 at 4 PM CT - Register here
  • LinkedIn Live with Gies Online | February 14, 2025 at 12 PM CT - Register here

Have questions?

Please contact Gies College of Business at giesonline@illinois.edu.

Upcoming Events

The full Gies Online Events Calendar can be found here.

Advance your accounting career

  • The iMSA was developed by top accounting faculty to build expertise in leading analytics methods, financial reporting, audit and control, and US federal taxation.
  • Accounting is one of the fastest growing careers and the universal language of business. An accounting degree can open doors in almost any field.
  • The iMSA delivers an exceptional degree at a fraction of the price of other top MSA programs. Earn your degree in as little as 18 months in a flexible online format.

Accounting by the numbers

76% received a job offer or promotion

Gies focuses on tracking promotions or new job acceptances among iMSA graduates, with 76% reporting better jobs post-degree, highlighting an immediate ROI from the Gies iMSA program.

96% applied the skills directly into their careers

iMSA students engage in projects that address real job challenges and seek advice from peers and faculty, with 96% of graduates effectively applying their iMSA learning in their careers, highlighting the program's high value.

Average 22% salary increase

Gies iMSA graduates see an average salary increase of 22%, significantly highlighting the strong ROI of the iMSA degree in an era of typical 2% raises.

Future of accounting

The accounting industry is projected to grow at 4% year over year. The growth in technology and automation will affect the role of accountants, but overall demand is not expected to decrease according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, it will increase efficiency and make accountants' analytical abilities more prominent.

Gies is accepting applications for Summer 2025

The final deadline is March 6, 2025