Master of Science in Accountancy

Program Overview

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Master of Science in Accountancy

Overview

The Master of Science in Accountancy is a 30-credit program designed to prepare students for a professional career in the accounting industry. The program also helps prepare students for professional accounting certification in applicable states.

Why Study Accountancy?

Advancing confidently in the accounting industry with a specialized Master of Science in Accountancy. This program is more than just a degree; it's your stepping stone towards a professional accounting certification in applicable states.

What You'll Learn

Delve into the complexities of advanced accounting, economics, finance, and managerial concepts, designed to enhance your understanding and proficiency. Furthermore, the curriculum will culminate in capstone projects that incorporate the four main areas covered in the CPA exam, providing you a comprehensive learning experience.

Program Details

Benefits of a Master’s Degree

A master's degree furthers your education upon completion of a bachelor's degree. A master's program requires a shorter period of study with a more concentrated focus on a specific subject matter. Oftentimes, a master's degree provides additional leadership opportunities and may increase earning potential.

MBA in Accounting vs. M.S. in Accountancy: What's the difference?

Both the MBA in Accounting and the Master of Science in Accountancy prepare students for managerial roles in the accounting industry. However, the Master of Science in Accountancy also prepares students to complete the professional certification in accounting in certain states.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Accountancy program is a 30-credit program designed to prepare students for a professional career in the accounting industry. The program also helps prepare students for professional accounting certification in applicable states.

Admission Requirements

• Prerequisites: In addition to a cumulative undergraduate 3.0 GPA and the five general MBA prerequisites, admission to the MS in Accountancy program requires the following undergraduate prerequisites with grades of B or higher (exception: one grade of C is any of the eleven undergraduate prerequisite courses is acceptable) in order to be considered for full admission:
  • ACCT 381 Federal Income Tax-Individuals
  • ACCT 382 Intermediate Accounting I
  • ACCT 383 Intermediate Accounting II
  • ACCT 385 Accounting Information Systems
  • ACCT 386 Cost and Managerial Accounting
  • ACCT 489 Auditing I

Areas of Study

• Corporate Tax
• Auditing
• Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Legal & Ethical Environment of Business
• Managerial Communication
• Organization Theory

Careers & Outcomes

Professionals who hold a master’s degree are often the first considered for advancement and managerial roles.

Where You Can Take Classes

At Columbia College, our flexible options make it easy to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue your education wherever life takes you. Many of our degrees are offered 100% online. If you prefer a traditional classroom experience, you can attend selected classes at our nationwide locations or at our main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at all locations will engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree.

Online Programs

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• D.C.
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virgin Islands
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Classes Available In Seat

• Main Campus Graduate

Program Outline

Master of Science in Accountancy at Columbia College

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program at Columbia College is designed to prepare students for professional careers in the accounting industry. The 30-credit program focuses on advanced accounting, economics, finance, and managerial concepts, while also preparing students for professional accounting certification in applicable states.

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Program Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the accounting industry.
• Prepare students for professional accounting certification in applicable states.
• Provide students with a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices.
• Develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

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Program Description:

The MSA program is offered in both online and on-campus formats. The online program allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace, while the on-campus program provides a more traditional classroom experience. Both formats cover the same core curriculum, which includes:

• Advanced Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• Managerial Accounting
• Auditing
• Taxation
• Business Law
• Ethics
The program also includes a capstone project that allows students to apply their learning to a real-world business problem. ### Outline:

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Core Requirements:

• Accounting Theory
• Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Advanced Accounting
• Auditing
• Taxation
• Business Law
• Ethics
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Economics

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Electives:

Students can choose from a variety of electives to tailor their program to their specific interests and career goals. Some popular electives include:

• Forensic Accounting
• International Accounting
• Government and Non-Profit Accounting
• Personal Financial Planning
• Investment Analysis

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Course Schedule:

The MSA program is typically completed in 12 months for full-time students and 24 months for part-time students. The course schedule is designed to be flexible and accommodate the needs of working professionals.

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Modules:

The MSA program is divided into four modules:

• Module 1: Foundations of Accounting
• Module 2: Advanced Accounting
• Module 3: Taxation
• Module 4: Capstone Project
Each module consists of several courses that are designed to build upon each other. ### Assessment: Students in the MSA program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Group projects
• Capstone project
The program uses a variety of assessment criteria to ensure that students are meeting the program's learning objectives. ### Teaching: The MSA program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members. The faculty members have extensive experience in both academia and the accounting industry. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Group work
The program also utilizes technology to enhance the learning experience. Students have access to online resources, such as e-books, articles, and videos. ### Careers: Graduates of the MSA program are prepared for a variety of careers in the accounting industry, including:
• Accountant
• Auditor
• Tax accountant
• Financial analyst
• Controller
• Chief financial officer (CFO)
The program also prepares students for professional accounting certifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. ### Other: The MSA program at Columbia College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The program is also a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The program offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students offset the cost of tuition. For more information about the MSA program, please visit the Columbia College website.