RiseUpp Logo
Educator Logo

Online Master's of Accounting - University of Illinois

The Online Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA) from Gies College of Business combines traditional accounting expertise with cutting-edge analytics skills. This flexible program prepares professionals for modern accounting careers, offering comprehensive training in Python, R, data mining, and strategic thinking.

Instructors:

English

Powered by

Provider Logo
Degree Course Image
  • Course Start Date:

    20th Jan, 2026

  • Application Deadline:

    6th Nov, 2025

  • Duration:

    18-36 Months

18,20,028 - 23,31,968

Overview

The iMSA program at Gies College of Business offers a comprehensive online education in modern accounting. Ranked among the top three accounting programs nationally, this master's degree combines traditional accounting principles with cutting-edge analytical tools and techniques. Students develop expertise in data mining, programming, and strategic accounting while maintaining professional flexibility.

Why MSc (Master of Science)?

The iMSA program stands out for its unique integration of analytics and traditional accounting education. Students benefit from world-class faculty instruction and a curriculum designed to meet evolving industry demands. The program's flexibility and pay-as-you-go structure make it accessible to working professionals seeking career advancement.

What does this course have to offer?

Key Highlights

  • 100% online learning

  • Top-ranked accounting program

  • Flexible completion timeline

  • Pay-as-you-go tuition model

  • Industry-leading faculty

  • Cutting-edge curriculum

  • Analytics-focused training

Who is this programme for?

  • Aspiring accountants and financial professionals

  • Working professionals seeking CPA certification

  • Business leaders wanting advanced accounting skills

  • Non-accounting professionals transitioning to finance

  • Professionals seeking data analytics expertise

Minimum Eligibility

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline

  • Business management course completion

  • Principles of accounting coursework

  • Minimum GPA requirement or PAT qualification

  • English proficiency

Who is the programme for?

The admission process includes reviewing academic credentials, work experience, and optional GMAT/GRE scores. Candidates without traditional accounting backgrounds can qualify through the Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT). The program requires 32 credit hours of coursework, combining core accounting principles with specialized electives.

Selection process

How to apply?

Curriculum

The curriculum integrates traditional accounting principles with modern analytical tools. Core coursework covers financial accounting, taxation, and audit principles, while specialized courses focus on data analytics, programming, and strategic management. Students can customize their learning through various elective options.

There are 7 semesters in this course

The iMSA program comprises comprehensive coursework in accounting fundamentals and modern business analytics. Students begin with core accounting principles and progress to advanced topics in data analysis, strategic management, and specialized accounting areas. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications through case studies and real-world projects.

Core Course: Accounting Analysis |

Core Course: Accounting Analysis Il

Core Course: Managerial Accounting

Core Course: Auditing

Core Course: Federal Taxation

Elective Options

Available Concentrations and Specialization

Programme Length

The program offers flexible completion options ranging from 18 to 36 months. Students can adjust their course load each semester to accommodate professional commitments while maintaining steady progress toward degree completion.

Whom you will learn from?

Learn from top industry experts who bring real-world experience and deep knowledge to every lesson. The instructors are dedicated to help you achieve your goals with practical insights and hands-on guidance.

Instructors

Head of the Department of Accountancy and Professor of Accountancy and PwC Faculty Fellow and RC Evans Data Analytics Fellow

Michael Donohoe is the Irwin Jecha Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Accountancy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned his Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Florida in 2011, following a Master’s in Accounting with Highest Honors in Taxation from the University of North Florida. Donohoe's research primarily focuses on the intersection of financial reporting and corporate taxation, employing archival methods to explore topics such as tax planning and corporate tax avoidance. He has published extensively in leading journals, including Contemporary Accounting Research and Journal of Accounting Research, and has received several awards for his teaching excellence. In addition to his academic roles, he serves as an editor for The Accounting Review and has held various positions within the university, including Associate Head of Accountancy.

Assistant Professor of Accountancy and Arthur Anderson Fellowship in Accountancy and R.C. Evans Data Analytics Fellow

Fei Du is an Associate Professor of Accountancy at the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also serves as the Associate Academic Director for the Center for Professional Responsibility in Business and Society. Her research primarily centers on archival managerial accounting, focusing on the design of incentive systems and their impact on managerial decision-making. Du has published in prestigious journals such as The Accounting Review and Academy of Management Journal, and her work has earned her several accolades, including the American Accounting Association's Notable Contribution to Management Accounting Literature Award. In 2023, she co-authored the book Creative Data Analytics: Computational Recipes to Gain Insights into Businesses, which integrates hands-on data analytics with business applications. Additionally, she was awarded the Wolfram Innovator Award in 2024 for her innovative contributions to teaching and data storytelling.

Tuition Fee

The program follows a pay-as-you-go model with tuition ranging from $21,916 to $28,096 total. Cost varies based on elective choices and course load. Financial aid and scholarships covering up to 70% of tuition are available for eligible students.

Fee Structure

Payment options

Learning Experience

Students engage through an interactive online platform featuring both synchronous and asynchronous learning components. The program includes video lectures, virtual discussions, group projects, and direct faculty interaction. Learning tools include programming platforms, data analytics software, and virtual collaboration spaces.

University Experience

The university provides comprehensive digital resources including online libraries, research databases, and virtual collaboration tools. Students can participate in online networking events, professional development workshops, and industry connections through the Gies College of Business network.

Testimonials

Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.

Loading alumni...

About the University

University

Established over 100 years ago, Gies College of Business is a purpose-driven business school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The college serves more than 8,000 degree-seeking students, including 7,000+ online learners, and has exceeded 2.6M online course enrollments globally. In 2017, the college was renamed following a $150 million gift from alumni Larry and Beth Gies. The institution focuses on innovative programs, leading-edge curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities designed to empower students to turn big ideas into meaningful actions.

8000

Total Enrollment

7000

Online Students

98%

Undergraduate Placement Rate

Affiliation & Recognition

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Higher Learning Commission

Higher Learning Commission

Association of American Universities

Association of American Universities

Faculties

These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they're here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.

Instructors

Head of the Department of Accountancy and Professor of Accountancy and PwC Faculty Fellow and RC Evans Data Analytics Fellow

Michael Donohoe is the Irwin Jecha Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Accountancy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned his Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Florida in 2011, following a Master’s in Accounting with Highest Honors in Taxation from the University of North Florida. Donohoe's research primarily focuses on the intersection of financial reporting and corporate taxation, employing archival methods to explore topics such as tax planning and corporate tax avoidance. He has published extensively in leading journals, including Contemporary Accounting Research and Journal of Accounting Research, and has received several awards for his teaching excellence. In addition to his academic roles, he serves as an editor for The Accounting Review and has held various positions within the university, including Associate Head of Accountancy.

Assistant Professor of Accountancy and Arthur Anderson Fellowship in Accountancy and R.C. Evans Data Analytics Fellow

Fei Du is an Associate Professor of Accountancy at the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also serves as the Associate Academic Director for the Center for Professional Responsibility in Business and Society. Her research primarily centers on archival managerial accounting, focusing on the design of incentive systems and their impact on managerial decision-making. Du has published in prestigious journals such as The Accounting Review and Academy of Management Journal, and her work has earned her several accolades, including the American Accounting Association's Notable Contribution to Management Accounting Literature Award. In 2023, she co-authored the book Creative Data Analytics: Computational Recipes to Gain Insights into Businesses, which integrates hands-on data analytics with business applications. Additionally, she was awarded the Wolfram Innovator Award in 2024 for her innovative contributions to teaching and data storytelling.

Career services

The Office of Career & Professional Development provides comprehensive support through an innovative approach integrating professional development into coursework. Services include personalized career coaching, professional development resources, and extensive networking opportunities. The Gies Professional Pathway helps students plan and document their professional growth throughout their academic journey. Career advisors prepare students through coursework, experiential learning, and networking opportunities, maintaining strong partnerships with global companies. The office organizes multiple career fairs annually, featuring more than 200 participating firms, and provides extensive interview preparation and resume review services.

200

Career Fair Participants

95%

Placement Success Rate

12

Professional Development Programs

Degree Course Image
  • Course Start Date:

    20th Jan, 2026

  • Application Deadline:

    6th Nov, 2025

  • Duration:

    18-36 Months

18,20,028 - 23,31,968

Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.