Athens State University

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with relevant undergraduate coursework in financial and managerial accounting. GMAT or GRE scores are often required or waived with sufficient professional experience.

About This Program

Athens State University offers an online master's degree in accounting with a curriculum based on updated CPA certification examination standards. The 30-credit program comprises 24 hours of core courses and 6 hours of electives, designed for working professionals seeking career advancement without disrupting their current employment.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for careers as accountants, auditors, tax specialists, and financial analysts in various sectors including public practice, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

• 1. Public Accountant
• 2. Internal Auditor
• 3. Tax Manager
• 4. Forensic Accountant

What You'll Learn

• Advanced financial reporting and analysis for complex business transactions
• Auditing procedures and assurance services
• Federal and state tax planning and compliance
• Managerial accounting for decision-making and cost analysis

Curriculum Highlights

24 core credit hours covering accounting fundamentals, auditing, and taxation; 6 elective credit hours allowing customization; Introduction to Accounting principles, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Auditing, Tax Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Financial Statement Analysis

Top Employers

Top employers include the Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), corporate finance departments, and government agencies like the IRS.

Admissions

A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with relevant undergraduate coursework in financial and managerial accounting. GMAT or GRE scores are often required or waived with sufficient professional experience.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Required or Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)