MS in Accounting

Program Overview

---

Fairfield University's Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program equips students with advanced accounting skills, preparing them for professional licensure (US CPA) and diverse career opportunities in accounting and finance. The program offers three tracks: Financial Accounting, Tax & Data Analytics, and Data & Forensic Accounting, and employs a multifaceted assessment approach to evaluate student learning outcomes. Graduates command competitive starting salaries and benefit from career fairs, personalized career coaching, and other resources to support their professional development.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)

This program is structured to equip students with the skills and expertise required to handle the challenges of careers in today's economic and financial climate. The curriculum focuses on:

• Development of advanced accounting and analytic skills
• Practical application of these skills in real-world scenarios
• Preparation for professional licensure (US CPA)

---

Objectives:

• Knowledge: Inculcate in-depth knowledge in accounting principles in various sectors like government, healthcare, and non-profit organizations.
• Technical Skills: Impart advanced skills in financial statement analysis, entity taxation, ethics, and research methodologies.
• Professional Development: Emphasize professional ethics, critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills crucial for success.
• Licensure Preparation: Equips students with thorough knowledge to effectively address the CPA exam requirements.

---

Description:

• Comprehensive & Focused: Fairfield's MSA prepares students for diverse career options by offering three tracks: Financial Accounting, Tax & Data Analytics, and Data & Forensic Accounting.
While the first focuses on core accounting, the second and third equip students with specialization in data analytics and forensic approaches.
• Part-time Options: The MSA offers both face-to-face and online delivery formats, providing flexibility for balancing academic pursuits with personal and professional commitments.

---

Outline:

The MSA program comprises 30 credits. The full-time schedule consists of traditional, accelerated, or intensive formats:

• Fall: Accounting for Governments, Hospitals, and Universities; Issues in Accounting Ethics; Research Methods for Business.
• Spring: Research Project; two electives from a diversified selection like Data Analytics for Accounting, Auditing I, Nonprofit Accounting, Fraud Examination, etc.

---

Content:

---

> Semester 1: Accounting for Governments, Hospitals, and Universities; Issues in Accounting Ethics; Financial Statement Analysis in the Business Context; two electives chosen from a range of relevant finance, accounting, and business courses.

---

> Semester 2: Entity Taxation; International Accounting; one chosen course from Accounting and Finance electives; two chosen courses from a variety of advanced accounting, finance, and business options.

• Summer: One course: Professional Seminar on Contemporary Ethical Issues in Accounting or a thesis-based option.

---

Additional Requirements:

• Students must also select:

  • One Accounting or Taxation Fondation 6000-level;
  • Three (3);
  • two chosen courses.

---

Assessment:

The MSA program employs a multifaceted assessment approach designed to accurately measure student learning outcomes and competencies. Assessment methods include:

• Exams and quizzes: Evaluating student understanding of key concepts through traditional testing formats.
• Papers and presentations: Assessment of analytical and communication skills through written and oral assignments.
• Projects and case studies: Real-world problem-solving skills and group collaboration are assessed through practical application assignments.
• Participation: Active involvement in class discussions and activities contributes to overall assessment.

---

Criteria

• Understanding: Assessments evaluate the depth of student understanding of the taught theoretical and practical concepts.
• Application: Assessing the ability to apply acquired knowledge to solve practical problems faced in various accounting, business, professional settings.
• Communication: Evaluation of the effectiveness of both written and Oral communication skills.
• Analytic: Evaluating the development of critical thinking and analytical skills through assessments.

---

Teaching:

Fairfield's MSA program integrates expert-led instruction complemented by interactive learning technologies.

---

Unique Approach:

• Blended Learning Environment: Combining face-to-face classroom sessions with online lectures and activities creates a stimulating and dynamic learning experience.
• Case-Based Learning: Analyzing real-world case studies empowers active engagement in applying learned concepts to practical scenarios..
• Personalized Attention: Small class sizes enhance faculty-studentinteraction, providing individual attention and deeper understanding.
• Active Learning Strategies: Fostering critical thinking and deeper understanding through group work, simulations, and thought-provoking discussions.

---

Highly Qualified Faculty:

Instructors are accomplished professionals with significant industry and academic experience, bringing real-world insights into the classroom.

---

Careers

---

Career Opportunities:

Graduating from the MSA program opens doors to diverse and fulfilling career opportunities within the fields of accounting and finance. Potential positions include:

---

> Public Accounting: Certified Public Accountant (CPA and Auditor), Staff Accountant, etc.

---

> Private Industry: Assistant Financial Controller, Internal Auditor, Director of Financial Analyst, etc.

---

> Banking & Finance: Security Analyst, Financial Analyst, Hedge Fund Analyst.

---

> Government Agencies: Revenue Officer, Federal Auditor, Forensic Accountant.

---

Average Starting Salaries

Graduates command competitive starting salaries; 84% of the Class of 2021 received job offers within three months of completing the program

---

Other Resources:

• Career fairs:
Providing opportunities students to interact with and learn from leading industry professionals across sectors.
• Personalized career coaching: Ensuring access to guidance and resources for navigating career choices.

---

Other:

• Additional Information on MSA program offerings:
• Non-matriculated course enrollment
allowing additional flexibility for professional individuals to expand their knowledge based on current industry needs.
• Custom-designed curriculum in partnership with corporate organizations to address specific training and development requirements of professional teams.
• Executive Series: Diverse events that enhance traditional curriculum include the Dolan Lecture, Dean's Executive Forums, Fairfield StartUp Showcase, and Professional Development Series Activities.
These events add value to current industry knowledge and network development.