Master's of Accounting (iMSA)

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Master's of Accounting (iMSA)

Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois

Accredited degree

Offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

18-36 months

8 courses total, 10-15 hours per week

$21,916-$28,096 USD total cost

Depending on elective course choices

No accounting background required

Designed for students of various backgrounds

100% online

Mixture of self-paced content with engaging live classroom sessions

Explore admissions requirements and flexible pathways

Who is a Masters in Accounting degree for?

The iMSA program is open to students of various backgrounds, from non-accounting professionals looking to become accountants, to future CPAs, to early-mid career finance and accounting professionals, to C-suite executives. No accounting undergraduate degree is required for admission.

How to apply?

There are four access points for you to join our courses. Apply directly to the iMSA program, apply for our Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT), enroll in a for-credit course as a non degree student, or sign up for a non credit option.

Benefits of applying early:

  • No application fee

  • Apply for scholarship consideration (applications need to be submitted by the Priority 1 deadline of each Spring/Fall term)

  • Priority registration for courses

  • Early access to Illinois on Coursera

  • Begin engaging with classmates via Illinois' networking platforms

Program start dates:

The program has three intakes throughout the year, typically in: January, May, August. Open courses are available to start throughout the year.

Applications for Summer 2026 applications opening soon!

  • Applications open: January 5

Upcoming Events

  • December 17: MOOCs to Master's: How to Stack Gies Business Credentials - Register here
  • January 7: Gies Online Applicant Office Hours - Register here
  • January 12: Drop-In with Gies Online: Live Office Hours - Register here

Additional resources

Questions? Please contact Gies College of Business at giesonline@illinois.edu or attend an upcoming event.

Applications for Summer 2026 applications opening soon!

  • Applications open: January 5

Upcoming Events

  • December 17: MOOCs to Master's: How to Stack Gies Business Credentials - Register here
  • January 7: Gies Online Applicant Office Hours - Register here
  • January 12: Drop-In with Gies Online: Live Office Hours - Register here

Additional resources

Questions? Please contact Gies College of Business at giesonline@illinois.edu or attend an upcoming event.

Applications will open January 5

Learn more about the program.