The MS in Accounting is intended for those students who wish to further their technical education in Accounting and is especially appropriate for those who plan to pursue the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) credential. The program is designed to equip future accounting leaders with a Christian worldview, leadership skills, and a technical accounting base that includes: accounting ethics, accounting research, advanced auditing (accounting information systems within a forensic framework), and advanced tax accounting. You can find more information about attaining the CPA at https://nasba.org/stateboards/.  

This program is reserved for students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting and is in compliance with the Colorado State Board of Accountancy education requirements.  Students without an undergraduate degree in accounting but with significant upper-level coursework in accounting (i.e. Intermediate Accounting, Tax Accounting, Auditing, and Cost Accounting) along with accounting experience may apply on an exception basis.

Admission to the Master of Science in Accounting

Admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting program is selective. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of previous academic performance and a strong desire to complete graduate-level work in a Christ-centered, biblically based community is important. All M.S. Accounting admissions decisions are made by and only by Colorado Christian University.

Admission Requirements:

  • Completed online application form (including essay, transcripts, and fees) at www.ccu.edu/ccu/grad/. 

  • Valid state-issued driver’s license or state-issued ID card or passport.

  • Earned Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from a regionally accredited institution.

  • A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.0 and 2.49 will be admitted on a conditional admit (CAD) basis for the first semester.  CAD students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their first nine (9) credits to remain in the program.

Time Limitation

The Master of Science in Accounting program is a 30 credit-hour degree designed to be completed within 18-24 months of intensive accelerated adult graduate study by persons who work or are otherwise occupied by the equivalent of a full time job. 

All work applied toward a master’s degree must be completed within a four-year period from the date of enrollment. After the four-year period, an M.S. Accounting student who has not completed the requirements to graduate will be withdrawn from the program. Students who go beyond the four-year period and wish to complete their Master of Science in Accounting degree will be required to apply for reconsideration by completing a Petition for Exception to Academic Policy. Readmitted students will be required to adhere to the degree plans and academic policies in place at the time they are readmitted. 

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Colorado Christian University offers several academic programs which lead to professional licensure in the state of Colorado and, in some programs, prepare students for a national exam. All students should be aware that states vary in their educational and professional requirements depending on the profession. Some states require specific educational requirements, clinical requirements, accreditation requirements, or exam requirements. See professional licensure disclosures for details.