MPS in Management - Accounting Specialization

Invest one year in this STEM-designated program to become an expert and leader in accounting. This program prepares students to take the CPA exam and to become successful leaders and managers in the field of accounting.

Schedule: Full-time, 10 months
Format: In person
Location: Ithaca, NY
Start: August
Requirements: Bachelor's degree
Total Cost: $73,946
Degree Awarded: Master of Professional Studies

This program is part of: Johnson Graduate School of Management

MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization

This one-year STEM-designated master’s program prepares you for the CPA exam while building the technical, analytical and leadership skills needed to advance in the accounting profession. Whether your goal is public accounting, corporate finance, consulting or advisory services, you’ll graduate prepared to contribute immediately and grow into positions of increasing responsibility.

The program is designed not only to help you navigate today’s complex financial environment, but also to develop the judgment and business perspective required to lead teams, advise organizations and influence important decisions. You’ll learn from renowned faculty, gain practical experience and connect with top employers across industries.

At Cornell, your ambition is matched with the resources, mentorship and network to help you stand out, accelerate your career and build the foundation for long-term leadership in the profession.

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Why choose Cornell?

Cornell offers a focused, forward-looking approach to accounting education. From day one, you’ll gain the skills, perspective and confidence to move forward, positioning you for strong career outcomes and long-term career growth.

Accelerated degree

Ivy League Career prep in 10 months

CPA prep + business depth

Accounting expertise with business skills

Strong outcomes

94% acceptance rate in 6 months

Skills beyond accounting

Prep for leadership roles across industries

STEM, analytics training

Gain data and tech skills

Powerful alumni network

250,000+ worldwide

Small personalized experience

Direct access to faculty, advisors

Customizable curriculum

Tailored to your career goals

Why this matters now

Regulatory expectations are increasing, reporting requirements are becoming more complex and all organizations are relying more heavily on accurate, timely financial information.

Firms need professionals who can contribute quickly and operate with precision from the start. Building that capability before entering the workforce can significantly improve your early career trajectory.

With the right preparation and the backing of a Cornell education, you’re not just entering the field, you’re positioning yourself to advance within it.

Program snapshot

The Cornell MPS in Management — Accounting Specialization prepares you for the profession’s evolving data-driven future. In this program, you’ll go beyond foundational knowledge to develop the analytical thinking and technical depth needed to navigate complex financial environments with confidence.

In just 10 months, you’ll build advanced capability in financial reporting, audit and taxation while strengthening your ability to interpret data, assess risk and make informed decisions. The program is aligned with CPA licensure requirements, allowing you to tackle the CPA exam and enter the profession quickly.

Through a rigorous, applied curriculum and close collaboration with world-class faculty and peers, you graduate with the credibility, adaptability and professional readiness to step into the field and to keep advancing as the industry evolves.

three accounting students in front of Sage Hall in suits.

Where this degree takes you

At Cornell, you’ll have access to one-on-one advising and support during and after your academic journey. Graduates go into public accounting, corporate finance and beyond, moving into roles in industries including:

Public accounting
Real estate
Consulting
Financial services

This unique and thorough program positions you to begin your career with the expertise companies are looking for. Our graduates benefit from strong employment outcomes, with many securing roles at leading firms such as Deloitte, PwC, Citi, Goldman Sachs and others across the global marketplace.

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Career outcomes

After earning the MPS in Management — Accounting Specialization, graduates take on roles in a variety of industry sectors and organizations. Within 6 months of graduation, our alumni see impressive results.

98%

received job offers

98%

accepted job offers

top hiring companies

Matthew-Bragnazia-MPS-Acct-student walking to screen video player.

Living and learning at Cornell

For Matthew, it was the hands-on learning and industry connections that Cornell provides.

Our students continually say they value the close-knit community and mentorship at the Johnson School. While you’re here, you’ll build meaningful and lasting relationships with your classmates and professors.

Explore the journey where an MPS in Management — Accounting Specialization can take you

The MPS in Management — Accounting Specialization prepares students for professional accounting careers while meeting CPA eligibility requirements. The journey below highlights how one student combined technical accounting expertise with emerging technology skills to launch a career at a Big Four firm.

Mohamed Sidime

From accounting student to Deloitte auditor

Mohamed pursued the program to accelerate his path toward CPA licensure and gain the skills required for modern accounting careers.

Technical accounting foundation
- Completed coursework aligned with CPA requirements.
- Developed expertise in audit, assurance and financial reporting.
- Strengthened analytical and problem-solving skills.
Accounting in a changing profession
- Learned how automation and technology are reshaping audit processes.
- Applied accounting concepts through practical projects and case studies.
- Prepared for the evolving demands of the profession.
Today: Audit & Assurance, Deloitte

Mohamed now works in Audit & Assurance at Deloitte, applying both traditional accounting expertise and technology-driven approaches to client engagements.

Curriculum overview

This program combines a rigorous accounting core with the flexibility to expand your business expertise. You’ll build advanced capability in financial reporting, audit and assurance, taxation and financial statement analysis and strengthen your ability to interpret data, assess risk and apply sound judgment in real business contexts.

Coursework emphasizes precision and professional application, integrating data analysis, problem-solving and communication across complex scenarios. Through applied projects, you’ll develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to contribute more broadly to business decisions.

You can also tailor your experience through electives across the college of business, giving you exposure to areas such as finance, strategy and management. As a STEM-designated degree, eligible F-1 international students may pursue a two-year OPT extension, enhancing career opportunities in the U.S. Courses are led by distinguished faculty and practitioners who will ensure you graduate with the technical depth and professional readiness to stand out.

MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization curriculum

Admissions deadlines

Applications open in September with four round deadlines April thru May. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early in the cycle for priority admissions and scholarship consideration. International applicants are encouraged to apply during one of the first three rounds.

MPS Accounting application guide

September

Application opens

December 1

Round 1 deadline

January 15

Round 2 deadline

March 1

Round 3 deadline

April 15

Round 4 deadline

After the fourth round, applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization FAQs

What can I do with a Cornell Masters of Accounting degree?

The Masters of Accounting equips students with the general business, accounting and management concepts needed to thrive in the industry. The university has a long-established relationships with many major employers, including professional service firms, consulting firms, banks and Fortune 500 companies that help our graduates succeed in the accounting industry

Can my undergraduate degree be in any major?

Yes, your undergraduate degree can be in any field, provided you excelled in your studies. Students who majored in business at the undergraduate level may also be eligible for the MPS in Management if they are seeking to change their undergraduate specialization.

Where will I live? Is graduate housing available?

Graduate student housing is available on campus and off campus within walking or biking distance or on a local bus line. Please visit the graduate website for more information on housing and living in Ithaca.

How does the MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization differ from the MSA?

Many Master of Science in Accountancy programs are designed primarily to satisfy CPA educational requirements through a highly structured accounting curriculum. Cornell’s MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization also prepares you for CPA licensure but offers more flexibility to tailor the degree to your individual career goals.

In addition to advanced accounting coursework, students can choose graduate-level electives in areas such as finance, strategy, business analytics, real estate and management. This allows you to broaden your business knowledge, develop industry expertise or prepare for a career in public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, advisory services and other fields.

Students pursuing CPA licensure receive guidance throughout the process, including support in understanding the requirements of the state boards of accountancy where they plan to become licensed.

sage hall panoramic with students on sidewalk in fall.

Your path forward

Whether you’re just beginning to explore or ready to apply, this is where your accounting career prep begins. Take that next step.