Master of Accounting

Our personalized program prepares you for that first accounting job — and the lifetime of your business career.

Whether you're deepening your accounting knowledge or you're a first-time business student, a WashU Olin Master of Accounting is a savvy career move. You can choose from three degree formats and customize your experience throughour many different elective courses.

New to accounting?

If you’re pivoting from a different major or considering a career switch, Olin’s Master of Accounting program has you covered. We provide a thorough orientation, as well as free, optional online courses designed to bring you up to speed quickly and prepare you for success, regardless of your undergraduate major or professional experience. Talk to our advisors about which course meets your needs:

Choose your path

We offer a highly tailored educational experience to ensure you meet and exceed your individual goals.

Accelerated option

Our Master of Accounting accelerated option is your fastest path to jumpstarting your accounting career. Available in fall 2025.

• Earn your degree in just 2 semesters (9 months)
• STEM-designated degree
• 50% of credits are elective

Traditional option

This option is designed for students who want to enhance their degree with a summer internship opportunity.

• Take 3 semesters to earn your degree
• STEM-designated degree
• 50% of credits are elective

4+1 option

Current WashU undergrads—in any field of study—can save time and money when they earn an accounting master's on top of their undergraduate degree. Learn more.

• Apply in your junior year
• Finish in as short as 1 semester
• STEM-designated degree

Set yourself apart

Today’s successful accountants need more than technical skills—they require critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strong leadership qualities. As an accountant, you have broad exposure to business operations, making you an attractive mid-career candidate for many industries. A WashU accounting master’s degree prepares you for a flourishing career at Big Four firms. Our classes, intentionally small and taught by top industry professionals, allow you to find your niche as a professional.

A unique learning experience

“Because of our small size, our faculty know our students by name and story. These strong faculty–student relationships last beyond graduation and benefit students for the length of their careers.”

Prof. Plunkett, professor of practice in accounting, retired PwC partner

Beta Alpha Psi

WashU Olin’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), the international honor society for students of accountancy, finance, and information systems, including data analytics and digital technology, received a prestigious “Silver Chapter of the Year” award this year.

The award recognizes the chapter’s extensive professional events and essential skills programs and its involvement in community service and other activities. Many employers look favorably upon membership in BAP as demonstrating your commitment to the profession and to developing your leadership and other soft skills.

The club holds weekly Professional & Essential Skills events with guest speakers from companies like PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, First Bank, Edward Jones, and JP Morgan. 

BAP has over 300 chapters on college and university campuses with over 300,000 members initiated.

Learn more about our Beta Alpha Psi chapter.