Accountancy (MSA)
Ready to learn more? Tell us about yourself:
Stand out in your career with a top-ranked MSA degree.
Our students come with solid quantitative skills and leave more than prepared to pass the CPA exam. They expect more from a master’s program — to build careers that stand the test of time. Heavily recruited by the top financial services and accounting firms, our graduates embark immediately on their careers.
Ours is one of the top four Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) and Master of Accounting (MAcc) programs in the nation, according to Public Accounting Report, and one known for its quality, rigor and focus on ethics. The MS in Accountancy program at Notre Dame will help you ask more of business and ask more of yourself.
Duration:
10 Months
Format & Location:
Full-time on the Notre Dame campus
Start Date:
August 17
Highlights: MSA Student Experience
The 10-month MSA is a rigorous full-time program, located on our iconic campus. To prepare for today’s complex accounting environment, you want to learn from the best. At Notre Dame, you will:

Add Analytics to Your Accounting Toolkit
Beginning in Fall 2020, you will also be able to add a concentration in data analytics to your studies, so you are more prepared than ever for the evolving role of today’s accountant.

Pick a path that works for you.
The Assurance and Advisory Services track is ideal for preparing you for a career in public accounting, corporate finance or with a financial institution. The Tax Services track will prepare you for a career with a public accounting firm, business enterprise or governmental agency. Regardless of the track you choose, you'll have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to curriculum with up to 60% elective courses.

Immerse yourself in a global experience.
In our 10-month program, you will still have time to study abroad. An increasingly complex global market demands accounting and financial professionals who understand the international context of their industry. At Notre Dame, you'll have the chance to gain that international perspective by travelling to South America, South Africa, or Asia.

Join a community committed to your success.
The connection among MSA students doesn't end at commencement. You'll find that your peers and classmates become your professional support network and your lifelong friends.
MSA Class Profile – Three Year Average
91
Total Students
45%
Female Students
13%
Domestic Minority Students
23
Mean Age
3.56
Mean GPA
635
Mean GMAT
19%
International Students
64%
Non-ND Undergrads
Career Development
Historically, over 80% of our MSA students accepted employment offers with one of the Big Four accounting firms. Other graduates accepted opportunities with a variety of firms or chose to pursue a Ph.D. in accountancy. All of them were prepared to do exactly what they wanted upon graduation.
Career Services provides a CPA academic adviser and one-on-one career coaching connecting you with unparalleled networking and job opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
The MSA program has a designated Faculty CPA Advisor on hand to assist you in selecting courses that are right for certification in your state
The MS in Accountancy Association, Beta Alpha Psi and the renowned Notre Dame alumni network present a wide range of professional networking opportunities.
With the help of one-on-one career coaching, 100% of our graduates secured employment within six months of graduation. 82% of accepted offers are with the Big Four.
- Andersen Tax
- BDO
- Deloitte
- EY
- Grant Thornton
- KPMG
- PwC
Class of 2019 Placement By Region
11%
WEST
10%
SOUTHWEST
43%
MIDWEST
8%
SOUTH
9%
MID-ATLANTIC
16%
NORTHEAST
3%
INTERNATIONAL
Student Life
MSA students are passionate about more than just accounting, and their interests extend beyond relentless career preparation. Rest assured, there’s a vibrant student life at Notre Dame waiting for your distinctive contributions.
As an MSA student, you will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in a variety of clubs, recreational sports and honor societies, such as Beta Alpha Psi and the MS in Accountancy Association.
- Serve with Habitat for Humanity, the Tax Assistance Program (which provides free income tax services to low-income families) or tutor and mentor students at local schools.
- Attend a Notre Dame Graduate Alumni tailgate and mix with alumni, professors and recruiters in a casual setting, then watch the game from the graduate student section at Notre Dame Stadium.
What You’ll Learn: MSA Course of Study
One academic year — that’s two semesters and 30 total credit hours — is all it takes to receive a degree from a top-4 MSA program and change the trajectory of your career forever.
At Notre Dame, one of the first things you’ll learn is that being ethical and being profitable are not mutually exclusive. Here we ask more of business by challenging our students to become ethical leaders who make decisions for the greater good.
We’ll provide you the opportunity to study abroad for two weeks and customize your education with a track that best aligns with your career objectives.
- The Assurance and Advisory Services track is ideal for preparing your for a career in public accounting, corporate finance or with a financial institution.
- The Tax Services track will prepare you for a career with a public accounting firm, business enterprise or governmental agency.
- Beginning in Fall 2020, you will also be able to add a concentration in data analytics to your studies, so you are more prepared than ever for the evolving role of today’s accountant.
Your Notre Dame MSA degree will equip you with the skills to gain traction early, thrive in your chosen profession and make the most of your opportunities. It’s incredible what we can pack into a year.
Our Community
You will be challenged by world-class faculty and inspired by accomplished alumni. You will collaborate with students from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds.

Alumnus "The combination of Notre Dame’s academic reputation and being a Catholic University made the decision simple for me. It was a great privilege to study and receive a degree from Notre Dame."

Alumna "During my career, I always knew I'd be able to achieve what I want and Big Four accounting was what I wanted. Notre Dame helped me shorten the process of getting there."

Student "I chose Notre Dame because of the countless opportunities available to students inside and outside of the classroom, as well as the outstanding alumni network. Being a student in the MSA program has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth and has brought me lifelong friendships. I feel blessed to be a member of the ND family!"
Admission
The next step you take in your professional life could be the one that accelerates your career, lifts your organization to the next level and changes the way you see the world. Students can start the program in either the Spring or Fall semester, but keep in mind the following dates.
Notre Dame’s MSA program does not require the GMAT for students who have, or are expected to have, an undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university prior to enrollment. Applicants from colleges and universities outside the U.S. and unaccredited colleges are required to submit a valid GMAT score.
Application Deadlines
- Early Decision: September 16, 2020
- Round 1: October 28, 2020
** Spring Start Final Deadline - Round 2: February 3, 2021
- Round 3: May 5, 2021
- International Applicants
International candidates are strongly encouraged to submit the application and all supporting credentials by February 3, to allow time for VISA paperwork and processing.
MSA Prerequisites
The following prerequisite coursework is required by applicants to the program:
- Accountancy I (Financial Accounting)
- Accountancy II (Managerial Accounting)
- Measurement and Disclosure I (Intermediate Accounting I)
- Measurement and Disclosure II (Intermediate Accounting II)
- Strategic Cost Management (Cost Accounting)
- Audit & Assurance Services
- Federal Taxation
Missing the prerequisites needed for the MSA program? Complete them the summer before the program starts with the Accounting Immersion Program.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition for the 2020-2021 MSA program is $44,900.
Decisions on MSA fellowships are made on a rolling basis. Since a fellowship evaluation is completed in conjunction with the admissions decision with no extra paperwork required, you only need to check the box on the application for admission to be considered for a fellowship.
Accounting Immersion Program
Missing the prerequisites needed for the MSA program? Complete them the summer before the program starts with the Accounting Immersion Program.
Designed for non-accounting majors, this program can get you brought up to speed and ready to head down a long successful accounting career path.
Events
Let’s get to know each other.
There are a number of ways to learn more about the MSA program—and for us to get to know you better. Start now by introducing yourself.
Visit campus
Tour Mendoza, interview with Admissions, have lunch with current students—MSA students cite their campus visit as one of the most important factors in their final decision to choose Notre Dame. Schedule your individual visit now!
Off-Campus Interviews
If you can’t make it to campus, we may be coming to you. Sign up to meet with an MSA admissions representative on your home turf.