The master's degree program helps students to understand advanced accounting theory and procedures. The degree also helps fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the Uniform CPA examination. The doctoral program places emphasis on accounting theory and analytical research. The curriculum for both programs includes instruction in the areas of accounting such as managerial accounting, financial accounting, audit, fraud examination, financial reporting, taxation and special accounting topics. The thesis for the master in accountancy may be required or optional; the dissertation for the doctoral program is required. Postgraduate studies in accounting may require one to four years to complete.
Students enroll in a graduate program in accounting to advance their careers in accounting, business and education. Graduates with a master's degree in accounting often become a certified public accountant (CPA) and work as consultants, public accountants, internal auditors, controllers, management accountants, government accountants and tax accountants. Graduates with a PhD in accounting are often employed as professors in institutions of higher learning.
Tuition costs for a graduate degree in accounting vary widely. Of the top 10 graduate degree programs in accounting such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan and New York University, half of the programs had an annual tuition cost ranging from $40,000 to $50,000; while four of the programs had an annual tuition of less than $30,000, US News & World Report notes. Students are able to apply for fellowships, grants and other scholarships to reduce the financial burden of pursuing the graduate degree.
Salary for graduates with a master's degree in accounting depends on such factors as the industry, job title and the individual's work experience. The average salary for a graduate entering the workforce with a master's degree in accounting in 2009 was $50,000, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The average salaries for new accounting professors in 2010 was $150,000; associate professors $139,000; assistant professors $130,000, reports the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.