Our one-year MS in Accounting and Finance in Salem, Oregon is an economy-resilient degree that blends liberal arts skills with technical depth. Build the financial fluency employers trust in any market, plus the communication, teamwork, and leadership skills to accelerate fast.
MS in Accounting and Finance
Graduate
40
9 to 24 months
Salem
Hadisa Gowhari MBA '23 came to Willamette as a business owner and manager. However, after gaining important financial skills, Gowhari was able to network and meet people who opened new doors.
Gowhari, an international student, used her time at Willamette to develop important relationships with other stakeholders. She worked with mentors, counselors, and other resources to chart a new path in the United States. Learn more about her path in finance at a top company.
Our alumni have started forensic accounting firms, worked in corporate finance, and served as Chief Financial Officers. One Willamette alum even became the CEO of Deloitte. Learn more about how our alumni are making an impact within government, non-profit, and private businesses.
Granting loans to small businesses at Deloitte
Using the knowledge and skills from coursework and experiential learning opportunities, Fuentes earned an early promotion at Deloitte. He was able to use his expertise in finance, taxes, and other topics to make an impact.
Making waves in the banking community
Reukauf was elected as the Chair of Oregon's Bankers Association, the state’s only trade association dedicated to the banking industry. She's also the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the People's Bank of Commerce of Medford.
Our faculty members come from a variety of disciplines. You'll learn from published researchers, former traders, practicing CPAs/CMAs, and seasoned executives. Learn more about their achievements and how they prepare students for a career in accounting or finance.
Dr. Seongkyu “Gilbert” Park is an award‑winning financial economist published in Management Science. As faculty adviser to the student investment fund, he turns market‑microstructure insights into real‑time lessons.
Dr. Kawika Pierson, CMA, is an award‑winning accounting professor and former derivatives trader. His systems‑thinking lens turns financial statements into panoramic case studies for tomorrow’s finance leaders.
Dr. Romana Autrey, CPA/CMA, fuses Silicon Valley audit experience with award‑winning research in The Accounting Review. She empowers Willamette students to turn management controls into strategic growth.
Hands-on learning is at the core of our curriculum. You'll build decision-grade models, analyze real financials and controls, and tackle live business problems. Then you'll have the opportunity to put money on the line, managing capital in the O'Neill Student Investment Fund or evaluating startups in our Angel Investing class. By graduation, you'll have work that mirrors modern practice, from AI-enabled workflows to valuation and reporting, so you can hit the ground running.
Study real‑time investment management through hands‑on portfolio practice. Track economic, financial, and corporate events as you apply advanced analysis to a live mix of stocks and ETFs. Conclude the semester by presenting your portfolio’s performance and outlook to an external panel.
Study the fundamentals of angel investing through engaging fieldwork with Pacific Northwest angel groups. Screen startups, conduct due diligence, and shape real investment decisions. Explore emerging research in venture finance, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development.
Our program requires 16 core credits split evenly between accounting and finance. We require 4 to 8 credits of hands-on learning courses, 4 credits of quantitative methods, and 12+ credits of elective classes. Most students finish in 12 months, but may take up to 24 months to complete.
Willamette undergraduate students who have taken certain courses can complete the degree with 2 additional semesters.
Our degree is designed for those interested in deepening their understanding of accounting and finance. Our program is best suited for students with some knowledge in economics, statistics, accounting, and finance. However, we welcome applicants with varying levels of experience, including minimal or no prior experience.
Willamette is committed to supporting students with financial aid. Separate applications for scholarship consideration is not required. Learn more about the graduate financial aid, loan programs, and work-study programs available at Willamette.
Willamette University
Ecotrust Building
721 NW 9th Ave
Portland
Oregon
97209
U.S.A.