The advent of big data, analytics, blockchain, and machine learning is creating exciting changes in the field of accounting. Bentley's new Master's in Accounting (MSA) builds upon our over one-hundred-year accounting legacy and infuses it with technology and analytics to give you the skills you need to thrive in a respected, in-demand profession.
Having started as the first program in Massachusetts to gain the prestigious separate accountancy accreditation from AACSB International, we are proud to announce that our new STEM designated curriculum is one of only a few programs to collaborate with KPMG’s Data and Analytics Program, ensuring that what you learn is industry ready. You can count on it.
program highlights
- Broad range of concentrations. Five concentrations matching your career goals: Assurance, Advisory, Corporate Financial Reporting, Analytics, and Tax
- In-person or hybrid options. Flexible options include full-time, part-time, on-campus, and hybrid learning options.
- Industry ready. A curriculum vetted and approved by KPMG’s Accounting with Data and Analytics Program.
- STEM-Designated Curriculum. An analytics and technology-powered core with a STEM designation no matter which concentration you choose (Tax does not have a STEM-designation)
- Optimized for the CPA, CIA, CMA and CISA Certifications. Acquire the education requirements for CPA licensing, as well as CIA, CMA and CISA certifications.
- Strong placement rate. Our coaches and corporate partners can help plan your career path, link you to a global network of alumni and employers, and prepare you for successful interviews with top firms.
Tuition and Aid
At Bentley, we do everything possible to make your education affordable for you and to provide the kind of return on investment you expect — and deserve. With available merit and financial aid, Bentley works with qualified applicants to help find ways to pay for their education.
MSA Fellowship Program at Bentley
STEM-Designated Academic Curriculum
A customizable, tech-infused accounting curriculum
Our new MSA curriculum provides you with the option of five different concentrations. This program has a CIP code that corresponds to the DHS STEM designated code list and prepares you for today's CPA exam as well as CIA, CMA and CISA certifications. The MSA program has a 10-course minimum requirement for degree completion. Full time students can complete the program in eleven months. Part-time students generally take between 2-5 years.
Concentrations:
Assurance services aim to improve the quality and transparency of information for a professional organization. By providing independent and professional opinions that reduce information risk, you can improve public trust in the credibility of published financial reports.
This concentration will prepare you to meet the accounting challenges of tomorrow with the following skills:
- Financial Statement Auditing
- Information Technology Auditing
- Internal Auditing
- Accounting for Income Taxes
- Tax Compliance and Reporting
Advisory services go beyond the traditional accounting role and look to provide guidance to business owners through the examination of the present and potential future variables that will impact business. With the right insight, they will help make better-informed decisions that increase company performance.
This concentration will prepare you to meet the accounting challenges of tomorrow with the following skills:
- Risk Advisory
- Information Technology Auditing
- Internal Auditing
- Fraud and Forensic Accounting
- Performance Evaluation and Management
Corporate Financial Reporting is the practice of preparing all elements of the financial statements and SEC reporting. Professionals in this field will ensure external reporting compliance and present and analyze important financial data to help businesses understand their true financial position.
This concentration will prepare you to meet the accounting challenges of tomorrow with the following skills:
- Accounting for Income Taxes
- Performance Evaluation and Management
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
The high demand for accounting graduates with strong data and analytics skills is the reason why Bentley has this concentration available for students interested in private company audit firm practices such as risk management and process assurance. You’ll gain skills in accounting practices and advanced expertise in accounting and auditing, using industry tools to explore data mining and predictive analytics.
This concentration will prepare you to meet the accounting challenges of tomorrow with the following skills:
- Financial Statement Auditing
- Information Technology Auditing
- Internal Auditing
- Accounting Analytics
- Data-Driven Development with Python
- Managing with Analytics
Tax planning and compliance is essential for every business. As the business world becomes more global and tax regimes become more complex, managing tax burdens across states and around the globe is a focal point of any business operation. This concentration provides a foundation necessary to navigate the complexities of the tax aspects of business decisions.
This concentration, available starting in January 2025, will prepare you to meet the accounting challenges of tomorrow with the following skills:
- Federal Taxation of Income
- Multi-Jurisdictional Taxation
- Taxation of Corporations and their Shareholders
- Professional Tax Practice
Elective Courses
This is where you customize what you want to get out of your program. Narrow your focus and select from five available concentrations that will influence what you can register for. We strongly encourage all prospective students to connect with a Graduate Admission Officer to understand your available options.
In-Demand Graduates
A Bentley graduate degree prepares you for a wide range of careers, no matter the industry you are interested in. See below for a partial list of employers and job titles our recent MSA graduates have landed.
| Company Name | Alumni Title |
| Deloitte | Audit Associate, Advisory Consultant, Tax Associate |
| EY | Assurance Associate, Diversified Staff Group - Tax Services, Transfer Pricing Associate |
| PwC | Assurance Associate, Tax Associate, Advisory Associate, Technology Consulting |
| KPMG | Audit Associate, Deal Advisory Associate, Advisory Associate |
| Grant Thornton | Audit Associate, Tax Associate |
| RSM | Assurance Associate, Tax Associate |
| BDO | Assurance Associate, Tax Associate, IS Assurance Associate |
| State Street | Emerging Technology Consultant, Tax Analyst |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific | Associate Internal Auditor |
| Analog Devices | Cost Accountant |
Corporate Collaboration
The Bentley MSA is the only KPMG MADA affiliated program in New England that also provides you with access to enabling technologies and tools used by seasoned accounting professionals.
The Latest Technology
The MSA incorporates up-to-date technology through partnerships with technology companies such as Alteryx, UiPath, IDEA and SAP. Graduate students have access to student software licenses and a virtual lab to allow hands-on practice with various tools used in the workplace.
Graduate Remote Learning
Bentley hybrid courses are offered in a web-extended format that allows you the option of attending your classes from an on-campus physical classroom or online. Anything shown to the students in the classroom can also be seen by online students in real-time.
Graduate Program Admission
Take The Next Steps
program director
Len Pepe is an accounting lecturer and the program director of the MS in Accounting at Bentley University. Len was a partner in the audit department of Grant Thornton, LLP Boston and has experience as a managing partner of the CCR LLP, Boston Office and as a partner at BDO Seidman, Boston. His research interest is in professional practice and has been honored with Bentley’s Adamian Award for Teaching Excellence — Part Time in 2017.
Reach out to Len to schedule a time to discuss your background and career goals and how these align with Bentley's MSA program.
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