Master of Science In Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree from the H-E-B School of Business and Administration provides graduates with the skillset needed in the competitive world of professional accounting. The 30-hour MSA program offers the credentials required by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to sit for the national CPA licensing examination.

Program Overview

Courses in the MSA program are offered on weekday evenings to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Classes meet once per week in eight- or 16-week terms. Classes are taught by full-time faculty with decades of experience in professional accounting, each with a CPA license.

MSA Curriculum

Graduate accounting students may choose from one of two areas of specialization - the Tax track or the Assurance and Financial Planning track.

Tax Track

The Tax track for the MSA degree focuses on contemporary aspects of taxation for use in both individual tax practices and business entities. This track is designed to enable students to become proficient in tax research, analysis, and problem-solving relevant to the current regulatory environment.

• Required Courses:
  • ACCT 6318 Ethics for Accounting and Business (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6333 Problems in Tax Practice (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6339 Business Communication (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6340 Advanced Financial Reporting (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6345 Federal Tax Research (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6355 Estate, Trust and Gift Taxation (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6360 Data Analytics in Accounting (3 hours)
  • Electives (9 hours)

Assurance and Financial Reporting Track

The Assurance and Financial Reporting track for the MSA degree provides a practical and theoretical exposure to current audit and assurance service topics. Students analyze and evaluate financial statements and related disclosures while gaining an understanding of the relationship between the responsibilities of entities and the public accounting profession.

• Required Courses:
  • ACCT 6318 Ethics for Accounting and Business (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6336 Financial Statement Analysis (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6339 Business Communication (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6340 Advanced Financial Reporting (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6348 Advanced Auditing (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6350 Problems in Accounting (3 hours)
  • ACCT 6360 Data Analytics in Accounting (3 hours)
  • Elective (9 hours)

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The curriculum of the Master of Science in Accounting program at the H-E-B School of Business and Administration provides students the opportunity to obtain the credentials necessary to sit for the Certified Public Accountant licensing exam, as designated by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

Admission Criteria

The admission criteria for the MSA program include requirements, standards, and processes to begin the journey as an H-E-B School of Business and Administration MSA student.

Accreditation

Business programs in the H-E-B School of Business and Administration are accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at the H-E-B School of Business and Administration provides graduates with the skillset needed in the competitive world of professional accounting. Graduates will have the credentials required by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to sit for the national CPA licensing examination.

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Objectives:

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as accounting professionals.
• Prepare students for the CPA licensing examination.

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Outline:

The MSA program requires students to complete 30 credit hours of coursework. The program is offered on weekday evenings to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Classes meet once per week in eight- or 16-week terms. The MSA curriculum includes courses in the following areas:

• Accounting
• Auditing
• Taxation
• Business communication
• Ethics
• Data analytics

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Assessment:

The MSA program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Case studies

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Teaching:

The MSA program is taught by full-time faculty with decades of experience in professional accounting. Each faculty member holds a CPA license. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations

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Careers:

Graduates of the MSA program are prepared for a variety of careers in accounting, including:

• Auditor
• Financial Analyst
• Accountant
• Personal Financial Planner
• Management Accountant
• Tax Accountant
• Internal Auditor

University of The Incarnate Word

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Overview:

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW is the largest Catholic university in Texas and is known for its commitment to serving the community and providing a transformative educational experience.

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Services Offered:

UIW offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Advising, tutoring, writing and learning center, career services, testing services, TRiO program, and first-generation student support.

Student Life:

Residence life, student life activities, student advocacy, wellness and sports programs, counseling, and health services.

Financial Aid:

Aid and award process, cost estimation, calculators, scholarship resources, work study, loan assistance, forms, tuition and fees information, verification process, consumer information, and FAQs.

Military and Veterans Center:

Admissions, support services, and resources for military personnel and veterans.

International Student and Scholar Services:

Support and resources for international students.

School of Professional Studies (SPS):

Admissions and student success services.

Health Professions Student Services:

Specific services for students in the Feik School of Pharmacy, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rosenberg School of Optometry, and School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UIW offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in athletics, intramural sports, music and arts programs, community service initiatives, and social events. The university also has a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

UIW offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, and over 20 graduate and doctoral programs.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

UIW is a Hispanic Serving Institution and ranks No. 1 in the nation among faith-based universities graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees.

Faith-Based Education:

UIW provides a Catholic educational experience that emphasizes values, ethics, and service to others.

Excellent Faculty:

UIW has a dedicated faculty committed to student success and providing a high-quality education.

Strong Alumni Network:

UIW has a large and active alumni network that provides support and opportunities for students.

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Academic Programs:

UIW has 11 schools and colleges, including five health professions schools:

College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Dreeben School of Education

Feik School of Pharmacy

H-E-B School of Business and Administration

Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions

Rosenberg School of Optometry

School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering

School of Media and Design

School of Osteopathic Medicine

School of Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Professional Studies

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Other:

UIW is a leader in transformational education and inspires students to ignite change. The university is also recognized for its commitment to social mobility and has been named a Best College by U.S. News & World Report.