Cost & earnings at University of Missouri-Kansas City What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Accounting graduates earn a median $59,954 Across 616 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master’s in Accounting and Related Services at the University of Missouri–Kansas City is a postgraduate programme designed to deepen technical accounting knowledge and prepare students for professional certification and leadership roles in accounting, finance and related areas. It suits recent graduates with an accounting background, career changers who have completed prerequisite coursework, and working professionals seeking CPA eligibility or specialised training in areas such as auditing, taxation or forensic accounting.
The programme builds advanced competence in core accounting disciplines and the professional skills required for public practice, industry and government. Typical course topics include advanced financial accounting and reporting, auditing and assurance services, federal taxation of individuals and corporations, accounting information systems, and managerial or cost accounting. Students also study specialised subjects such as forensic accounting and fraud examination, advanced governmental and nonprofit accounting, and accounting research and ethics.
Programme structure commonly combines foundation-level courses (for students without a prior accounting degree), core graduate accounting courses, and elective or concentration options. Many students select electives to prepare for the CPA exam or to focus on areas such as tax planning, audit methodology, data analytics for accountants, and financial statement analysis. The curriculum emphasises case-based learning, contemporary accounting standards, regulatory and ethical frameworks, and the use of technology and data tools in accounting practice.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting or a closely related field will typically meet direct entry requirements; applicants from other disciplines are usually eligible after completing prerequisite courses in core accounting subjects (for example, introductory financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, and taxation).
Admission materials generally include a transcript of academic records, a current résumé, a personal statement outlining career goals, and one or more letters of recommendation. The programme may consider standardised test scores (GMAT/GRE) on a case-by-case basis; waivers are commonly available for applicants with strong academic records or relevant professional experience. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to university policy.
Graduates pursue careers across public accounting, corporate finance and accounting, government and non-profit sectors, and advisory services. Common roles include audit associate, tax consultant, financial reporting analyst, controller, internal auditor, forensic accountant, and management accountant. The degree is frequently used as part of the pathway to meet educational credit requirements for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination and licensure; it also supports preparation for other professional qualifications such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Students benefit from the programme’s emphasis on technical proficiency, ethical standards and practical skills—such as financial modelling, data analytics and communication—that employers seek in entry-level and mid-career accounting roles. Internship and networking opportunities in the Kansas City business community help transition graduates into practice and industry positions.
The University of Missouri–Kansas City offers accounting education grounded in professional relevance, delivered by faculty with academic and practitioner experience. The Bloch School of Management and the School of Management (depending on programme administration) operate with AACSB accreditation, reflecting the institution’s commitment to quality business and accounting education.
UMKC leverages its location in a regional commercial hub to provide students with access to internships, employer connections and local accounting firms, including national firms that recruit in the area. Flexible delivery options such as evening and hybrid classes accommodate working professionals, and the programme typically provides resources for CPA preparation, career services, and student accounting organisations that support networking and professional development.
Overall, the university’s combination of practitioner-informed teaching, connections to the Kansas City accounting market, and focused preparation for professional credentials makes it a practical choice for students aiming to advance in accounting and related services.
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