Complete ACCT-510
Summer term 1 begins. Apply by April 24
Summer term 2 begins. Apply by June 19.
Fall term 1 begins. Apply by Aug. 14.
Explore the MS in Accounting
Increase your career prospects with our comprehensive Master’s in Accounting online degree. Our program is designed to equip you with essential accounting and business skills that today’s employers demand. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing to enhance financial processes and audits. With a strong focus on forensic accounting, financial modeling, and risk assessment, you’ll be prepared to tackle the complexities of the modern financial landscape.
Distinguish yourself with an accredited online master’s degree in accounting that offers:
- Advanced Accounting Skills: Gain expertise in key areas such as financial statement analysis, financial auditing, and forensic accounting.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Develop capabilities to interpret and use financial information to make informed decisions that support organizational goals.
- Technological Proficiency: Learn to integrate modern technologies, including AI, blockchain, and cloud computing, into financial processes and audits.
- Specializations: In addition to advanced accounting knowledge, this master of science degree incorporates your choice of an area of specialization via a graduate certificate. Choices are: Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Project Management, or Public Administration. See the program curriculum section for details.
Our program prepares graduates for various roles in the accounting field, ensuring you are well-equipped to advance your career in today's competitive job market.
Program Curriculum
Champlain's online accounting courses encompass the top skills needed by today's business professionals.
Professional Courses (21 Credits)
Graduate Certificate (9 Credits)
Advances your understanding of how to use financial information to value and analyze firms. Uses an understanding of a firm's strategy, what is contained in financial reports, why firms report certain information, and how to be a sophisticated user of this information. Evaluates current performance and its future sustainability, forecasts future profitability and risk, and values businesses using earnings and book value data. Develops a foundation to effectively communicate financial information.
Investigates and evaluates techniques for identifying and measuring business risk and for devising strategies incorporating risk analysis into strategic planning. Ties strategic objectives, risks, internal controls and critical success factors to business performance measurements to evaluate an entity's progress toward achieving strategic goals. Includes both quantitative and qualitative measurements and emphasizes effective communication of financial information.
Examines major international dimensions of financial and managerial accounting. Discusses national and cultural influences on accounting and on the accounting profession. Investigates financial regulation and IFRS accounting and financial reporting standards. Investigates corporate decisions related to methods of currency translation and accounting for gains and losses from exchange rate fluctuations. Explores managerial accounting issues raised by international organizations.
Prerequisites
Students will explore how technologies like cloud computing, blockchain, and non-generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing the field of accounting by automating accounting processes, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. The course also addresses critical issues like cybersecurity, data privacy, and ethical considerations specific to the accounting profession. Future trends will also be explored.
Focuses on complex frauds (including financial statement fraud, tax fraud and money laundering), and on non-fraud forensic accounting engagements (including cases of patent infringement, commercial damages and anti-trust.) Covers related investigation methods and legal issues, valuation models, reporting and communicating findings, testifying as an expert witness and other litigation advisory services.
Prerequisites
Complete ACCT-520
Students will focus on the application of technologies in auditing and how the technologies change the audit processes and the audit profession. The course covers data-driven audit methods, the use of AI and machine learning in the audit processes.
This course covers the foundations of Data Management for Business Analytics. Students examine and explore the value of information, as an asset and as a liability, and organize and assess its value in an information- driven organization dealing with the challenges of Big Data, Open Data and privacy protection legislation.
Students learn to create powerful reporting tools, to forecast data behavior, and to explore its use in business. This class has a hands-on approach, developed in the context of the application of analytics to business, allowing students to develop the skills necessary to create relevant tools for data-driven organizations. All hands-on work assumes the existence of a technology infrastructure, and no prior knowledge on how to install or maintain the software used in the labs is required.
Students apply the business analytics skills to specific business areas. Students will explore techniques and develop tools that model consumer behavior, supply and demand, and financial performance, in order to predict data evolution in different conflicting scenarios. Students will also apply business analytics to HR decision making such as recruiting, performance measurement, or compensation.
In this course, students examine essential cybersecurity concepts in the context of different business environments. Students explore a range of topics, including risk, vulnerabilities, security architecture and design, identity and access management, and incident response.
In this course, students learn about threat actors, and threat intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination. Students also learn how to analyze cyber threats and develop effective countermeasures and examine the legal and ethical implications of threat intelligence gathering and sharing.
Prerequisites
Take OPSC-506
In this course, students learn how to develop and implement effective cybersecurity policies and procedures, and study legal and regulatory requirements in cybersecurity, including data protection laws and standards. Students also learn how to align cybersecurity strategies with business objectives.
Prerequisites
Take OPSC-506
Students explore organizational finance with emphasis on investments, financial health, and corporate finance. Through practical application, accurate real-world simulations, and situational analyses, students build a grounding in finance in preparation for more advanced courses in the finance program.
In this course, students will explore the pivotal concepts of corporate finance and their application in contemporary business settings, as well as the intricacies of the capital structure of publicly traded companies, the principles that guide valuation, the investments made by these corporations, and the rationale behind such financial decisions.
Prerequisites
Take FINC-501
In this course, students will embark on a comprehensive exploration of investment theories and practices. The course provides students with a theoretical grounding for investments and teaches them about important issues that all investors need to consider, such as the economy, valuing securities, different types of assets, and the subtleties of modern portfolio theory.
Prerequisites
Take FINC-501
Students learn about the U.S. health care system, including the government's role in the industry, cost and quality issues, managed care, reimbursement mechanisms, legal and regulatory issues, profit vs. non-profit care, the role of technology, and then compare it to international health care systems. Students will begin to conceptualize new models of delivery through analysis of barriers to process improvement and the use of design thinking and analytics. Students will appraise development, implementation and management of system components.
Managing information as a strategic resource is challenging. Students will design IT systems to capture, combine, and transform data into information to measure processes/outcomes of care, support clinical decision-making and management decisions, empower patients, and improve health care operations. Students explore health information systems within the context of associated business processes to develop innovative solutions. Management of change as related to clinical systems will also be stressed to help build buy-in, engage individuals and ultimately improve workflow and system design.
Prerequisites
Complete HCMT-515 concurrently or prior to HCMT-523
Students learn to apply elements of regulation, law and ethics to the administrative process in a variety of healthcare settings and situations. Healthcare administrators can avoid many legal disputes by understanding basic concepts such as patient rights, informed consent and privacy regulations. Course themes include the legal barriers that interfere with process improvement, malpractice, and the limits on sharing information across institutions. Students analyze recent legal developments, including the Affordable Care Act, medical marijuana, and right to die legislation.
Prerequisites
Complete HCMT-515 concurrently or prior to HCMT-535.
This course is designed to introduce a systematic process for planning, organizing and controlling projects. The course will present a practical methodology for completing projects more quickly with fewer problems. Student work will consist of readings, research, class special-topic presentations, group activities, a project management journal, and participation in a real world IT business project. Students will be encouraged to apply project-management techniques to solve existing real-world technology-related business problems.
In this course, students study Agile project management methodologies, in the context of software development, as a way of achieving Software Engineering quality goals. Students will learn what projects lend themselves to an agile approach, and how the agile approach relates to traditional project management, while learning the tools and techniques of Agile.
In this course, students will explore project uses of accounting and financial information and the development and use of project cost accounts. An introduction to common cost engineering principles, financial systems, and conventions will enable students to develop and evaluate project budgets. In addition, students will learn techniques to integrate resources, schedules, and cost estimates throughout the life of the project to predict and manage cost performance.
Prerequisites
MBA 506, or evidence of comparable study at another accredited institution
In this course students will focus on the key theories, practices, and trends in public administration. Topics include the historical development of public administration in the United States, politics of political institutions, management, leading in public administration, key roles and functions of public administration, organizational structure of government organizations, analysis of key public administration theories, understanding bureaucracy and its role, public administration reforms, and future trends.
In this course, students will focus on the methodology for analyzing, developing, and implementing public policy. Topics include types of public policies, understanding the policy-making process, analyzing public policies, impact analysis of public policies, understanding the role of stakeholders in public policy, economic, social, and political factors influencing policy, and case studies in public policy analysis.
Students will examine public budgeting processes, financial management principles, and fiscal decision-making specific to the public sector. Topics include: the public budgeting process: formulation, execution, and auditing; revenue generation and sources of public funds; expenditure management and cost control; financial planning and forecasting; accountability and transparency; and the evaluation of case studies in public budgeting and financial management.
Additional Program Details
Graduates of the master of accounting online program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:
- Interpret financial information and integrate that information, using relevant technologies where appropriate to support decision making by internal and external stakeholders.
- Assess an organization’s accounting and IT internal controls to ensure the management and protection of sound financial information, reduce financial risks, and meet strategic goals.
- Communicate financial information that promotes sound financial decision making.
- Merge traditional accounting practices with technological tools to enhance financial decision-making, reporting, and auditing.
Champlain College Online's business faculty, led by Department Chair Dr. Albert Orbinati, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our business management curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s business professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the business world, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Tuition & Costs
Graduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25
*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits
See the graduate cost of attendance and fees here
** Veteran rate effective Spring 2025, not retroactive
Affordability and Paying For Your Education
We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.
How can an MS in Accounting Help Your Career?
Accounting careers are projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, driven by the globalization of businesses and the growing economy. Professionals in this field can expect a median annual salary of $83,660.* With your master’s degree, you’ll be qualified for high-level positions such as financial analyst, forensic accountant, and financial controller.
Graduates of our MS in Accounting program are well-prepared to pursue professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, and CIA to enhance career prospects, validate expertise, and demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards in the accounting profession.
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2024
Top Jobs for MS in Accounting Graduates
- Financial Analyst
- Forensic Accountant
- Financial Controller
- Financial Risk Manager
- Chief Financial Officer

Why Champlain
Online Experience
"I was 100% certain I would only do my bachelor's, but great advising led me to apply for the master's program. Going back to school helped me pursue further dreams and eventually be promoted, and gave me confidence in my own abilities and skillset."

Academic Excellence and Recognition

Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community

Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science

Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com
Meet the Program Director
Albert Orbinati, PhD
- Business (A.S., B.S., M.S., Certificates)
- Human Resource Management (B.S., Certificates)
- Leadership (M.S.)
- Management Information Systems (B.S.)
- Organization Development & Human Relations (M.S.)
About
Albert Orbinati, PhD, is Assistant Professor and Department Chair for the undergraduate and graduate business programs at Champlain College Online.
Prior to Champlain, Dr. Orbinati's roles have included Assistant Vice President of Online Learning and Continuing Education at Medaille University in Buffalo, NY; Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Education at Russell Sage College in Albany, NY; and Director of Online and Non-Traditional Programs at Utica University in Utica, NY. In addition to his career in higher education, Albert is a member of the U.S. military, and currently holds the rank of Major in the Vermont Air National Guard.
Dr. Orbinati holds a B.A. in Urban Planning from Binghamton University, an M.A. in Adult Education from Central Michigan University, an M.B.A from Champlain College, and a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Capella University.

You May Also Be Interested In
Get Your MS Accounting Guide
Learn what you can expect from our online MS of Accounting program.

Download Program Guide
I acknowledge that, by clicking the "submit" button, I am giving my express written consent to Champlain College and its representatives to contact me about educational opportunities via email, text, or phone, at the phone number above, including my mobile phone, using an automatic dialer, or pre-recorded message. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for enrollment, and I may withdraw my consent at any time.