Accounting graduates earn a median $59,954 Across 616 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master's in Accounting and Related Services at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a postgraduate programme designed to deepen technical accounting knowledge and develop professional skills for public, corporate and government accounting roles. It suits graduates with an accounting or related undergraduate background — and career changers with prerequisite coursework — who are preparing for licensure (for example the CPA) or advanced practice in areas such as auditing, tax, forensic accounting and accounting analytics.
The programme builds advanced competence in core accounting disciplines while allowing students to tailor study through electives and specialised topics. Typical core subjects include advanced financial accounting and reporting, contemporary auditing and assurance services, advanced taxation, accounting research and professional ethics.
Common elective and specialised topics include:
Students normally complete a combination of coursework and a capstone experience, which may take the form of a comprehensive examination, research project or practicum. The programme emphasises technical proficiency with accounting standards, applied problem solving, communication of financial information and ethical decision‑making.
Applicants are generally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A degree in accounting is preferred, but candidates with degrees in related fields may be admitted provided they have completed prerequisite coursework in core accounting principles, intermediate accounting, auditing and taxation.
Typical admissions materials include an academic transcript, a current résumé, a personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for graduate study, and letters of recommendation. The programme may consider graduate admissions test scores (GMAT or GRE) on a case‑by‑case basis or waive them for applicants with strong academic records or relevant professional experience. International applicants must satisfy English language proficiency requirements.
Graduates pursue roles across public accounting firms (audit and tax), corporate accounting and finance departments (financial reporting, controllership, managerial accounting), government and not‑for‑profit organisations, and specialised practices such as forensic accounting and consulting. The programme is also structured to support preparation for professional certification, most commonly the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licence; some graduates go on to roles in internal audit, risk management, financial analysis, and accounting information systems.
Internships and practicum experiences connect students with local and regional employers, and alumni typically move into entry and mid‑level professional positions, progressing toward senior technical and leadership roles in accounting, finance and advisory services.
MTSU's programme is housed within a business school that holds recognised business accreditation and offers a mix of academically rigorous coursework and applied learning. Students benefit from faculty who combine academic research with practical experience, small class sizes that support personalised mentorship, and access to resources such as accounting labs, software tools and career services.
Located in a region with a diverse business community, the programme maintains relationships with local and regional accounting firms, industry employers and government agencies, facilitating internship and employment opportunities. Flexible delivery options, including evening and selected online courses, help accommodate working professionals seeking to advance their credentials while maintaining employment.
Overall, MTSU offers a programme focused on practical readiness for the accounting profession, targeted preparation for licensure pathways, and connections to employers in the region and beyond.
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