Program Overview

---

Master of Science in Accounting

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Accounting program at UAlbany is designed for students with no prior background in accounting or business. This 21-month cohort-based program includes four semesters of full-time study that fulfill the education criteria required to obtain initial licensure as a certified public accountant in New York State. A part-time option is also available.

Program of Study

The program covers management fundamentals, in-depth study of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and practical training in contemporary accounting software and emerging technologies. Advanced topics include liabilities, assets, and income tax; auditing and internal controls; and budgeting and cost-profit analysis. In the final semester, students complete an academic research seminar.

Business Courses

• Law and the Corporation
• Law and Business
• Economic Analysis
• Marketing Management
• Financial Management
• Corporate Financial Problems
• Organizational Behavior and Managerial Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Quantitative Analysis for Business
• Operations Management
• Advanced Excel with Visual Basic for Applications
• Strategic Management

Accounting Courses

• Theory of Financial Accounting I, II, and III
• Introduction to Cost Analysis
• Survey of Taxation
• Auditing
• Internal Controls and Financial Information Systems
• Contemporary Developments in Accounting Thought
• Research Seminar in Accounting
• One accounting elective

Career Paths

Graduates of this program are highly sought after by private corporations, government agencies, and the Big Four professional services firms. Sample job titles include:

• Audit Associate
• Municipal Auditor
• Program Auditor
• Staff Accountant

Common areas of practice include auditing, financial management and advising, tax preparation, fiscal analysis, and assistance with business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. CPAs can also serve as subject matter experts in legal settings.

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant

The AACSB-accredited full-time MS in Accounting program at UAlbany meets the education requirements for certified public accountant licensure in New York and qualifies students to apply for the Uniform CPA Examination.

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Priority Review Deadline: Not Available
• Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Not Available
• No Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Not Available

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three Letters of Recommendation (one academic reference is required, but two academic references are preferred)
• Resume
• Statement of Goals (one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program)
• GMAT (a GMAT waiver is available for current UAlbany undergraduate and graduate students with a GPA of 3.6)

Special Notes

• Admission consideration requires students to have an undergraduate degree and completion of a minimum of three credits (one course) in each of the following areas: Financial Accounting, Computer Science, Statistics, and Economics.
• This program is licensure qualifying. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.

Student Learning Objectives

• Students will be able to interpret and analyze accounting information for internal control, planning, and performance evaluation.
• Be able to demonstrate knowledge of the mechanics and concepts of financial reporting.
• Be able to demonstrate knowledge of the impact of the global business environment on the practice of accounting.
• Each student will demonstrate an ability to communicate complex technical auditing and accounting issues.
• Demonstrate an ability to critically analyze a financial reporting situation and devise a cogent argument.
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of accountants and the importance of ethics to the practice of accounting and to the world of business.
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the legal environment of business.