Best Accounting Degree Programs In Massachusetts (2025)
Massachusetts offers a thriving environment for accounting professionals, with industries like finance, biotechnology, and higher education creating consistent demand for skilled number-crunchers. As businesses across Boston’s innovation corridor and beyond expand, your ability to analyze financial data and ensure regulatory compliance becomes increasingly valuable. The state’s accountants earn median salaries exceeding $80,000 annually, with senior roles in corporate finance or forensic accounting often breaking six figures. Major employers like State Street Corporation, Liberty Mutual, and Mass General Brigham actively seek professionals who can navigate complex financial landscapes while adapting to evolving tax laws and sustainability reporting standards.
Pursuing an online accounting education lets you build expertise without pausing your current career, whether you’re aiming for CPA licensure or transitioning from another field. Programs blending practical coursework in auditing and financial analysis with emerging areas like data visualization prepare you to meet employers’ immediate needs.
This path positions you to compete for roles at Boston’s Big Four accounting firms or regional powerhouses like Wayfair and Thermo Fisher Scientific, where financial strategists drive critical decisions. With Massachusetts projecting 9% growth for accounting jobs through 2030—faster than the national average—sharpening your skills now could secure your place in a field where precision directly impacts organizational success. Whether you envision advising startups in Cambridge or managing non-profit finances in Springfield, remote learning options provide the foundation to advance while maintaining your current commitments.
Best Online Accounting Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Below are the top-ranked Online Accounting programs in Massachusetts, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Key Highlights
- The program is offered by UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management.
- Graduates gain skills in accounting, auditing, tax, consulting, financial reporting, and data analysis.
- The curriculum includes coursework in auditing, financial reporting, and taxation (individual and corporate).
- The program is AACSB-accredited.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management is designed for individuals seeking career advancement or a career change in the accounting field. The program offers a flexible learning environment and an AACSB-accredited education. The curriculum prepares students to perform a range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting activities, equipping them with the skills to understand and advise businesses on financial matters.
Program Features
- Accreditation: AACSB
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Accounting, Auditing, Tax, Consulting, Financial Reporting, Data Analysis
Tuition & Costs
Sample Courses
Corporate Finance, Marketing Fundamentals, Principles of Management, Operations Management, Management Communications...
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management
Key Highlights
- This Bachelor of Science program is AACSB-accredited.
- The curriculum integrates technology, globalization, and sustainability with finance and accounting principles.
- Skills gained include financial statement preparation, budget management, and investment maximization.
- Coursework covers Integrated Reporting and Analysis, International Finance, and Investments.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management program is designed to align your skills with the evolving professions in the fields of accounting and finance. The AACSB-accredited curriculum integrates finance, accounting, technology, globalization, sustainability, and new forms of regulation. The program will develop your understanding of how to prepare and interpret financial statements, create and manage budgets, measure and disclose important metrics and information, leverage assets, and maximize investments.
Program Features
- Accreditation: AACSB
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Financial statement preparation, Budget management, Metrics measurement and disclosure, Asset leveraging, Investment maximization, Financial analysis, Accounting
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $541
- Additional Cost Information:Active U.S. servicemembers and their spouses are eligible for a tuition rate of $250 per semester hour for Bachelor Completion Programs through the College of Professional Studies.
Sample Courses
Accounting, Finance, Technology, Globalization, Sustainability...
UMass Dartmouth
Accounting BS Online
Key Highlights
- The UMass Dartmouth Accounting BS Online prepares students for careers in public accounting, management accounting, government, and auditing.
- Students will gain skills in accounting concepts, financial statement analysis, tax report preparation, financial planning, internal control, auditing, and accounting systems.
- The program provides hands-on work experience through internship programs.
- The Charlton School of Business is AACSB-accredited.
- The curriculum includes courses such as Cost Accounting, Business Finance, Accounting Information Systems, and Taxation.
- The program is 120 credits.
Program Description
The UMass Dartmouth BS in Accounting online program prepares students for careers in various accounting fields, including public accounting, management accounting, government, and auditing. The program requires 120 credits and provides students with a solid understanding of accounting principles, including computer and information technology skills. It offers hands-on work experience through internship programs. The Charlton School of Business is AACSB-accredited, ensuring a high-quality education.
Program Features
- Accreditation: AACSB
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Accounting concepts, Financial statement analysis, Tax report preparation, Financial planning, Internal control, Auditing, Accounting systems
Tuition & Costs
Contact Information
- Foster Administration
- [email protected]
- 508-999-9202
Sample Courses
Cost Accounting, Business Finance, Accounting Information Systems, Auditing, Taxation...
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management
Key Highlights
- This Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management program is accredited by AACSB.
- Students gain skills in financial reporting, financial statement analysis, and investment management.
- The curriculum integrates technology, globalization, sustainability, and new regulations.
- The program provides experiential learning opportunities.
- A concentration in Entrepreneurship is available.
- The program is ranked #1 in terms of in-demand degrees for those pursuing finance.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management program at Northeastern University prepares students to leverage assets, manage budgets, achieve financial efficiencies, and maximize investments. The AACSB-accredited curriculum integrates finance, accounting, technology, globalization, sustainability, and new regulations with experiential learning. Students develop analytical skills to prepare and interpret financial statements, create and manage budgets, and evaluate metrics.
Program Features
- Accreditation: AACSB
- Concentrations: Entrepreneurship
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Financial reporting, Financial statement analysis, Budgeting, Investment management, Risk management, Auditing, Taxation, Financial analysis
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $541
Sample Courses
ENG 1105 - College Writing 1, ENG 1106 - Lab for ENG 1105, ENG 1107 - College Writing 2, ENG 1108 - Lab for ENG 1107, ENG 3107 - Writing for the Professions: Business and the Social Sciences...
Why Pick an Online Accounting Degree in Massachusetts?
Choosing an online accounting degree in Massachusetts positions you to capitalize on a job market growing faster than national trends. The state projects a 9% increase in accounting employment through 2030—outpacing the 6% national average growth highlighted in BLS projections. This surge translates to over 3,700 new roles statewide, with industries like biotechnology, higher education, and fintech driving demand for specialists who understand Massachusetts’ regulatory frameworks and sector-specific financial challenges. Employers in Boston’s Route 128 tech corridor and Springfield’s healthcare networks increasingly prioritize candidates with expertise in cloud-based accounting systems and ESG reporting—skills many online programs integrate into their curricula through partnerships with local firms.
Studying remotely in Massachusetts gives you geographic flexibility while maintaining access to regional networking hubs like the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, which hosts virtual career fairs connecting graduates with employers at mid-sized firms and Fortune 500 companies. The state’s average annual salary of $93,305 for CPAs reflects both competitive pay scales and employers’ willingness to reward specialized certifications.
With O*NET forecasting 45,180 accounting positions in Massachusetts by 2030, online learning lets you upskill while meeting current job demands. You’ll gain exposure to tools like QuickBooks Online and SAP through virtual labs designed with input from employers like Wayfair and Mass General Brigham, who frequently recruit from local online programs. This blend of immediate skill application and long-term career positioning makes Massachusetts’ online accounting pathways a strategic choice for advancing in a state where financial expertise directly fuels innovation. Start building your credentials now to align with emerging opportunities in forensic accounting, sustainability reporting, and healthcare finance—fields reshaping the region’s economic landscape.
Where Can You Work After Graduating?
After completing your online accounting degree in Massachusetts, you’ll find opportunities across established firms and growing businesses. DesignRush’s 2025 rankings highlight Dimov Tax as a regional leader in small business and individual tax services, known for collaborative teams that handle complex filings and IRS communications. They frequently hire junior accountants for seasonal tax preparation roles, with opportunities to transition into year-round client advisory positions. The Largo Group, also featured in these rankings, specializes in financial consulting for tech startups around Boston’s Route 128 corridor, offering roles in forensic accounting and audit services with a focus on flexible scheduling for hybrid work environments.
Navitance, another top firm from DesignRush’s list, provides niche opportunities in nonprofit and healthcare accounting. Their teams manage grant compliance and operational budgeting for organizations like community health centers, often preferring candidates with coursework in fund accounting principles. For those interested in restaurant finance, Restaurant Accounting Services (listed in the same source) handles multi-location bookkeeping and inventory management for Boston-area hospitality groups, offering roles that blend traditional accounting with point-of-sale system analytics.
Larger corporate opportunities appear in Glassdoor’s Massachusetts accountant employers list, which includes companies seeking financial analysts for budgeting and cost-control roles. Many emphasize growth potential, with structured mentorship programs for recent graduates transitioning into corporate finance departments. The Boston metro area serves as a hub for these roles, particularly in industries like biotechnology and education technology where revenue cycle management skills are valued.
Regional job seekers should explore networking through the Massachusetts Society of CPAs’ virtual career panels, which often feature representatives from mid-sized firms like those in DesignRush’s rankings. Many employers prioritize candidates with familiarity to state-specific regulations, so highlighting any Massachusetts-focused tax or compliance projects from your degree program can strengthen applications. Local job boards like Boston Accountants Network frequently list openings at smaller firms seeking remote-ready staff for client accounting services.
How Much Can You Earn as an Accountant in Massachusetts?
If you’re considering an accounting career in Massachusetts, your earning potential starts around $55,000 to $65,000 annually for entry-level roles with 0-2 years of experience. Indeed’s data shows the state’s average accountant salary is $75,870, reflecting higher pay for mid-career professionals (3-7 years) who typically earn between $70,000 and $85,000. Salaries here outpace the national average by roughly 8-10%, partly due to Massachusetts’ strong finance sector and higher cost of living.
Earning a CPA license can significantly boost your income. Indeed’s CPA-specific data reveals certified professionals in Massachusetts average $93,305 annually, with senior roles (8+ years) often exceeding $110,000. Specializing in high-demand areas like tax strategy, forensic accounting, or corporate finance can push salaries even higher. Industries like biotechnology and tech tend to offer premiums of 10-15% over standard rates.
Hourly rates provide another perspective. ZipRecruiter reports Massachusetts accountants earn an average of $35.88 per hour, translating to $74,621 yearly. This aligns with full-time roles but may vary for contract or remote positions. Freelancers in online accounting roles often charge $45-$65 hourly, depending on project complexity and client size. Remote work flexibility can also widen your opportunities, letting you serve clients nationally while based in Massachusetts.
Future salary growth looks stable, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 4-6% annual growth for accounting roles through 2032. Demand for CPAs and tech-savvy professionals familiar with cloud-based accounting tools is rising, creating pathways to higher earnings. Staying updated on software like QuickBooks Online or mastering data analytics can make you more competitive. Geographic factors matter too—Boston and Cambridge typically pay 12-18% more than rural areas, though remote roles may reduce location-based gaps.
Licensing Information For Online Accounting in Massachusetts
What Licensing Steps Do You Need for Accounting Roles?
To become a licensed accounting professional in Massachusetts, follow these steps based on state-specific requirements:
Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
You must complete 150 semester hours of education from a nationally or regionally accredited institution. While Massachusetts allows you to sit for the CPA Exam after finishing 120 semester hours, the full 150-hour threshold is mandatory for licensure. Online accounting programs qualify if they hold proper accreditation. The Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy verifies transcripts during the application process.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination
Schedule your exam through NASBA and achieve a minimum score of 75 in all four sections. After passing, request official score reports to be sent directly to the Massachusetts Board using their designated process. Exam results typically take 2-4 weeks to process.
Step 3: Submit Your License Application
Apply through the Mass.gov licensing portal, paying a $175 application fee. Include:
- Official transcripts showing 150 completed semester hours
- Verification of CPA Exam scores from NASBA
- Employment history (if required for experience verification)
Step 4: Complete Background Checks
Massachusetts requires fingerprint-based criminal background checks for all applicants. Schedule an appointment through IdentoGO or another approved provider and pay the $45 processing fee. Results usually take 3-6 weeks to reach the Board.
Step 5: Maintain Active Licensure
Licenses renew every two years through the Board’s online system. You must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) per renewal cycle, including 4 hours in ethics. The Board of Public Accountancy provides updated CPE guidelines and approves qualifying courses.
Reciprocity Options
Massachusetts grants licensure to CPAs licensed in other states if they meet equivalent education and exam requirements. Submit verification of your existing license through NASBA’s CPA Verification service and complete Massachusetts-specific ethics coursework if required.
For application status updates or clarification on requirements, contact the Board directly through their Mass.gov portal. Processing times average 6-8 weeks but may extend during peak periods. Keep physical copies of all submitted documents until your license appears in the state’s online verification system.
FAQs About Online Accounting Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Common Questions About Accounting Degrees in Massachusetts
Q: Are these online programs accredited? A: All three listed programs (UMass Amherst, Northeastern, UMass Dartmouth) hold AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for business schools. This ensures your degree meets strict quality standards recognized by employers and licensing boards nationwide.
Q: How long does it take to finish an online accounting degree? A: Full-time students typically complete bachelor’s programs in 4 years. Accelerated options and transfer credits can shorten this, while part-time students often take 3-6 years. Northeastern’s Bachelor Completion Programs specifically cater to those with prior college credits.
Q: Can you become a CPA with an online degree? A: Yes – Massachusetts accepts online degrees from accredited programs like these for CPA licensure. You’ll still need 150 credit hours and exam passage. Detailed requirements appear in the Massachusetts CPA licensure guide.
Q: What job placement support do these programs offer? A: Most provide career services including resume reviews, interview prep, and employer connections. Northeastern specifically offers military/veteran career coaching alongside its reduced $250/hour tuition for service members.
Q: How do Massachusetts salaries compare to national averages? A: MA accountants earn 8-10% above national averages according to recent data. Entry-level roles start around $55k-$65k, with CPAs averaging $93k – significantly higher than the U.S. median.
Q: Are internships required for graduation? A: Requirements vary by program. While none of the listed programs explicitly mandate internships, some may recommend them. Check individual curriculum guides for experiential learning components.
Q: What financial aid options exist for online students? A: Options include federal loans/grants via FAFSA, institutional scholarships, and military benefits. Northeastern offers active service members and spouses a reduced $250/hour tuition rate for bachelor’s completion programs.
Q: Do programs help prepare for licensing exams? A: Yes – AACSB-accredited curricula align with CPA exam content areas. Many courses directly cover tested topics like auditing and taxation. For exam specifics, review the Massachusetts education requirements.