The STEM-designated, top-ranked Notre Dame Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) can be customized to your career aspirations, from becoming a CPA to investment management. Our graduates become leaders who understand how to transform financial information into sound judgment, ethical decision making, and business insight.
Develop expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, analytics, and financial reporting, while strengthening the judgment organizations depend on to make informed decisions.
Students choose from two majors: Data Analytics or the traditional MSA path. Customize your skillset with a concentration in either Tax Servicesand Assurance or Advisory Services, with the opportunity to add a second concentration in Deal and Advisory to excel in mergers and acquisitions.
Notre Dame’s MSA curriculum offers 60 percent electives, giving you the flexibility to tailor your coursework to your interests and career goals. Deepen your accounting expertise, explore finance alongside MBA students, strengthen your analytical skills, or choose courses that complement the career path you want to pursue.
Offered in the summer before the MSA program begins, AIP helps non-accounting majors prepare for a successful start by teaching essential accounting knowledge.
"Accounting is the language of business. Once you understand it, it opens up so many opportunities."
Notre Dame MSA graduates build successful careers in public accounting, consulting, finance, and leadership roles across industries. The MSA provides a strong foundation for understanding how organizations work, making sound business decisions, and pursuing a wide range of career paths.
How Elaine found flexibility, confidence, and intentionality through the MSA timeline that worked best for her.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition for the 2026-2027 MSA program is $55,660.
97% of MSA students received scholarship funding over the past three years. Scholarships are available to qualified candidates, regardless of citizenship.
All applicants are automatically considered for scholarships as part of the admissions process, with no separate scholarship application required. Scholarship decisions are provided at the time of admission.
The next step you take in your academic and 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.
Notre Dame MSA students bring a wide range of personal interests, career aspirations, and backgrounds to the program, resulting in a diverse and dynamic cohort. During their time at Notre Dame, they have many opportunities to use their interests and talents to make meaningful contributions to people and organizations.
86
Total Students
42%
Women in the Cohort
38
Unique Undergraduate Majors
23
Average Age of Student
10%
International Students
57
Undergraduate Institutions Represented
"Notre Dame didn’t just prepare me for the CPA — they made me believe I could do it."
The MSA Firm Fellows program highlights a select group of students recognized by leading firms for their potential and promise as future leaders in accounting. Through these partnerships, fellows receive financial support, mentorship, and early access to firm networks. Below, meet fellows from each of our partner firms and see how the experience is shaping their path, confidence, and future in the field.
Josiah Miller shares his experiences as a Deloitte Firm Fellow as part of the Notre Dame Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program.
FAQs
QIs an MSA still a good investment?
A
To build a career in public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, or another field where technical expertise and trusted judgment matter, the Notre Dame MSA is a sound investment. In just one year, you’ll deepen your accounting knowledge, strengthen your analytical and leadership skills, and prepare for opportunities with leading employers. More importantly, you’ll graduate with the confidence to make sound financial decisions that create value for organizations and the people they serve. With 97% of MSA students receiving scholarship funding over the past three years, a Notre Dame education may be more within reach than you think.
QDoes the Notre Dame MSA help prepare me for the CPA Exam?
A
Yes. The Notre Dame MSA is designed to help students prepare for the CPA Exam, while developing the broader business knowledge employers expect from today’s accounting professionals. You’ll strengthen your technical foundation through rigorous coursework, while learning to communicate effectively, think strategically and solve complex business problems. The result is preparation for both the exam and a successful career beyond it.
QCan I apply to the Notre Dame MSA if I didn’t major in accounting?
A
Yes. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds may be eligible for admission. In fact, 25% of last year’s MSA class did not major in accounting as undergraduates. Additional prerequisite coursework may be required, depending on your undergraduate preparation. We also offer the Accounting Immersion Program, a summer program designed for non-accounting majors to equip you with core accounting knowledge.
QWhat makes the Notre Dame MSA experience different from other accounting master’s programs?
A
The Notre Dame MSA combines rigorous accounting education, with a broader perspective on business leadership and ethical decision making. You’ll learn from accomplished faculty, collaborate with talented classmates, and join one of the world’s strongest alumni communities. Beyond preparing you to understand the numbers, the program prepares you to understand their impact, helping you become the kind of accounting professional organizations trust to lead.
Experience Notre Dame
The best way to understand the Notre Dame MSA is to experience it. Join us on campus or online to meet students, faculty and admissions staff, ask questions and discover more about what makes the program distinctive.
From college seniors to experienced professionals, all are welcome to attend the Mendoza Huddle—an engaging information session about Notre Dame’s graduate business programs. Learn about degrees designed for various career stages, meet admissions staff, tour the business school, and explore how a business education can advance your career.
From college seniors to experienced professionals, all are welcome to attend the Mendoza Huddle—an engaging information session about Notre Dame’s graduate business programs. Learn about degrees designed for various career stages, meet admissions staff, tour the business school, and explore how a business education can advance your career.
