While both an MSA and a traditional accounting master’s degree offer advanced education in accounting, there are key differences between the two. An MSA typically focuses on providing advanced knowledge and skills specifically in accounting, preparing students for roles in public accounting, corporate finance, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. On the other hand, a traditional accounting master’s degree may have a broader focus, covering topics beyond accounting, such as finance, economics or business administration. Moreover, DePaul’s MSA is a great program for students with no prior accounting background, allowing them to fulfill the educational requirements needed to sit for the CPA exam. In contrast, a traditional accounting master’s degree may require applicants to have an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field. In summary, while both programs offer valuable education in accounting, an MSA typically provides a more specialized and focused curriculum tailored specifically for careers in accounting. View DePaul's MSA Curriculum