Admission to a graduate-level accounting program is highly competitive. Candidates provide letters of recommendation from employers and previous academic instructors. Applicants submit an essay or personal statement describing their academic history, professional background, career objectives and leadership abilities. Students are also required to submit transcripts from previous educational institutions, GMAT or GRE scores and a resume.
Courses required for a master's degree in accounting depend on an individual's educational background and desired area of emphasis. Students without a degree in accounting may be required to take prerequisites before entering the program. Courses taught in the master's accounting program include financial statement analysis, advanced financial accounting, advanced managerial accounting, advanced auditing, information systems and accounting research. Students learn to analyze financial statements, plan audits and apply accounting theory and principles to the business environment.
Courses required for a doctoral in accounting also depend on an individual's educational background and desired concentration. Doctoral students are required to take analytical and research courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting and tax research. Students are also required to complete a number of research papers, written exams and a dissertation.
The time required to complete a graduate accounting degree varies by student and program. The master's degree in accounting is often designed to last one year while a doctoral program in accounting may require a full-time commitment of up to four years.
Tuition costs at the top 10 graduate schools in accounting range between $10,000 and $53,000 each year, according to "U.S. News & World Report." These schools include McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois. Costs may significantly increase for non-residents who attend state schools. Students can apply to receive stipends, grants and academic fellowships to offset tuition costs. Students enrolled in a part-time program may be eligible for employer reimbursement.