Master of Science in Accounting

Program Overview

Master's Degree in Accounting

Why Earn Your Accounting Degree at Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo's Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program provides an in-depth study of advanced accounting principles to prepare you to pass the CPA and CMA exams.

When recruiters look for talent, the first factor they consider is education. Saint Leo's Accounting faculty has worked hard to differentiate the program and hold students to a higher standard of excellence.

Whether you're looking to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accounting (CMA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Saint Leo's MSA degree will help you earn the required 150 hours for licensure, and master challenging concepts, including auditing, financial statement analysis, cost accounting and forecasting.

Master of Science in Accounting Program Details

In the Saint Leo University MSA program, students will gain an in-depth understanding of accounting that is not possible in an undergraduate accounting program. The program is designed to meet the increasing needs of public accounting, corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. The program is also designed to satisfy the additional requirements needed to sit for the CPA examinations.

• Est. Time to Complete: 2 years
• Credit Hours: 36 hours

Learn Your Way: Online or Near You

• Online: Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
• Education Centers: You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.

Career Outlook

No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.

• What can you do with an accounting degree?
  • CPA
  • Auditor
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Consultant
  • Financial Analyst
  • IRS Investigator
  • Controller
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Bookkeeper
  • Tax Accountant
• What are the top accounting degree jobs?
  • Accountants and Auditors: 7% (As fast as average), $73,560 per year, $35.37 per hour
  • Financial Managers: 17% (Much faster than average), $134,180 per year, $64.51 per hour
  • Financial Analysts: 6% (As fast as average), $83,660 per year, $40.22 per hour
• Where are Saint Leo accounting graduates now?
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC)
  • Entegra Power Group
  • United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

College of Business

Saint Leo University’s Donald R. Tapia College of Business provides a values-centered education that develops tomorrow’s business leaders. Our students create a personal legacy of character and integrity, developing into responsible global citizens ready to contribute to society across numerous fields. As the largest Catholic business College in the U.S., students find flexible degree program options at University Campus, education centers in five states, and online.

From associate to doctoral offerings, our accredited degree programs infuse student-centered teaching, future-paced research, entrepreneurial leadership, and professional networking opportunities. Students publish papers in esteemed academic journals, present original research at national conferences, and travel around the world to learn about the complexities of overseas markets. Faculty bring decades of practical experience to the coursework, ensuring students are on the cutting edge of their desired field to achieve career success.

Student Stories

• Paige Holt - MBA Student specializing in Supply Chain Management
  • "Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management provided me the opportunity for flexible learning alongside other supply chain professionals in my industry. With this MBA, I expanded upon educational and professional abilities within the field of Supply Chain Operations."
• Karen Sislava Reyes - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
  • "Learning ignites my passion to seek and find information that intrigues my soul, spirit, and mind. Education at Saint Leo University has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person. It has made me more confident and enabled me to steer into my destiny. Saint Leo University has provided me with different learning experiences that has enabled me to branch out and work with people effectively. It has helped me develop a great amount of self-discipline and, aside from teaching me some very important life skills, Saint Leo University has opened many doors for my future."
• Tayhana Taylor - Undergrad Bachelor of Science- Accounting
  • "As a graduate now pursuing my masters of science in accounting, I’m even more thankful for how well Saint leo equipped me and not just educationally but as a leader, student, and even on a personal level. It is truly a privilege to have been taught by professors whose efforts go beyond the classroom.”

Accreditation

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Saint Leo University offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program to meet the needs of graduate students and working professionals.
• The program encourages students to expand their professional competencies, particularly in the field of accounting, within and beyond the classroom.

Objectives:

• The program is designed to meet the increasing needs of public accounting, corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.
• The program is also designed to satisfy the additional requirements needed to sit for the CPA examinations.

Outline:

• The program curriculum includes courses in:
• Advanced Auditing
• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Advanced Taxation
• Business Law
• Corporate Governance
• Data Analytics
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Forensic Accounting
• Information Technology for Accountants
• International Accounting
• Public Accounting

Careers:

• The program prepares students for the CPA and CMA exams, and also to enter careers in:
• Public accounting
• Corporations
• Governmental agencies
• Nonprofit organizations