Though the terms “accountancy” and “accounting” sound similar, they refer to different aspects of financial management.
Accounting is the process of recording and reporting financial transactions. In contrast, accountancy encompasses the entire field of financial management, including accounting, auditing, forecasting and more.
The primary distinction lies in their areas of focus. Accounting concentrates on the processes for recording transactions and preparing financial reports, calculations and required statements. Meanwhile, accountancy covers a broader range of principles and regulations, including decision-making, auditing, bookkeeping, ethics and the principles guiding these technical processes.
Advance your career with Boise State’s accountancy degree program. Boise State University’s Online Master of Science in Accountancy (Online MSA) program can help you take the next step in your accountancy career.
As a student in the accountancy degree program, you will learn from a curriculum relevant to an accounting career and become strongly positioned for long-term professional advancement.
An experienced faculty provides a deep dive into accounting principles using case studies and projects. You will enhance your financial analysis, business development, critical thinking and analytical skills and prepare for the CPA exam as a student in the program.
Discover your path
The Online MSA is designed for students who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and meet all accounting and business prerequisites.
If you are missing any prerequisite courses required to enroll in the accountancy degree program, the Online Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations is available if you do not have a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Another option is the online Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundations, which gives you foundational accounting skills to complement your graduate work. You can add an accounting emphasis to your master’s degree without earning an Online MSA.
Boise State’s College of Business and Economics and the Department of Accountancy are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This accreditation places Boise State among the top business schools worldwide. Only 874 institutions in 56 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation, and Boise State is one of just 190 schools that hold AACSB Accounting Accreditation.
This specialized accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous criteria and standards for excellence in accounting education across engagement, innovation and impact.
Flexibility for your schedule
With 100% online coursework, Boise State’s Online MSA gives you the freedom to earn a graduate degree at your own pace while meeting the other obligations in your life.
The coursework adapts and adjusts as industry standards, best practices and content knowledge continually advance. As a full-time student, you can graduate in as few as 12 months. As a part-time student, you can graduate in as few as 22 months.
Boise State’s accountancy degree program is distinguished and rigorous, so it prepares you for career advancement with a culture that encourages the development of strong connections with program faculty and your online classmates.
“I’m so grateful to have earned my degree online,” Online MSA graduate Natalie Grace said. “During my time at Boise State, I was able to start my public accounting career and earn my CPA license.”
If you also plan to take the CPA exam, review the requirements for the state(s) you plan to seek licensure. If you aren’t sure which option is right for you, take this short program selection quiz.
Want to learn more about Boise State’s online Master of Science in Accountancy?
Join us for an online information session or connect with a student success coach.