Graduate Accounting Degree Concentrations

  • Forensic Accounting
  • Taxation
  • Government Accounting
  • Finance
  • Accounting Information Systems

If you are currently enrolled in an accounting degree program and are considering adding accounting degree concentrations to your master’s in accounting, then you might be wondering what types of topics are available to you. Depending on the university that you are enrolled in, there may be different options for you to select from. Your best bet is to speak with an enrollment counselor at your school in order to find out what your options are. Let’s take a look at five different concentrations that are out there for graduate-level accounting degree programs.

See our ranking of the 30 Top Affordable Master’s in Accounting / Master of Accountancy Degree Programs.

1. Forensic Accounting

You may have a knack for working with numbers but you could put that knowledge to good use in the area of forensic accounting. This area of work provides assistance with things like detecting fraud, investigating computer and internet activity and helping authorities prosecute criminals. This adds a level of excitement to your degree that you probably didn’t think that you could experience.

2. Taxation

A large part of your job as an accountant is learning about the various tax laws and processes that our country (and individual states) have. If you are planning on working exclusively in the taxation area of accounting, you may want to consider a concentration in this area to give you the edge that you need in order to compete with other professionals in your area (some of who have more experience than you).

3. Government Accounting

As you work as an accountant, you have the option to work on the governmental level, as eight percent of accountants currently do. Taking on a concentration in your graduate level accounting program might be just what you need to get your foot in the door. Your classes will vary but often include things like budgeting, planning, administration support and reporting on a governmental level.

4. Finance

Finance is one of the more practical accounting degree concentrations when you are already studying towards your master’s in accounting. Just some of the course topics that you can expect to choose from include risk analysis, international reporting, financial planning, financial analysis and so on.

Ranking: Top 10 Online Master’s in Finance Degree Programs

5. Accounting Information Systems

If you have a knack for technology a concentration in accounting information systems might be the way to go. Some schools provide this concentration along with specialization in auditing, fraud examination, etc.

The concentration that you choose while you are enrolled in a master’s in accounting program really depends on what your goals are on a professional level and where your interests lie. A basic graduate degree is more than enough to get a job in the accounting field but if you would really like to take yourself to the next level on a professional note, then adding a concentration will give you that edge you desire without adding a ton of time to your school time. A concentration typically only requires you to accomplish approximately twenty or so additional credits which, depending on the university and the credit hours of each class, should only add a couple of semesters to the mix. This depends on how many classes you are taking each semester.