Accounting (MSA) - Assurance

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) with Assurance Track prepares students for professional accounting careers. The program develops expertise in auditing, financial statement analysis, compliance, and fraud contexts. Graduates are equipped for roles in diverse industries, including public accounting, finance, government, and nonprofits. The degree requires 30 credit hours, including a written exit exam and a 3.0 GPA in accounting core courses.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), Assurance Track is designed to prepare individuals for careers as professional accountants and consultants in various sectors, including public accounting, industry, financial institutions, government, and nonprofit organizations. The program focuses on developing specialized auditing and assurance skills applicable to financial statement analysis, compliance, internal control, and fraud detection.

Objectives:

• To equip students with advanced auditing and assurance skills.
• To provide a comprehensive understanding of financial statement analysis, compliance, internal control, and fraud contexts.
• To prepare students for professional accounting and consulting roles in various industries.

Program Description:

• The MSA degree is awarded upon successful completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours and a final written exit exam.
• A minimum of 21 credit hours must be completed in accounting, tax, or business law courses.
• Students can select additional courses with the approval of the program advisor to align with their interests and career objectives.

Assessment:

• The program culminates in a comprehensive written exit exam.

Careers:

• The program prepares students for careers as professional accountants and consultants in public accounting, industry, financial institutions, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Other:

• Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the accounting foundation core.
• Students must earn a grade of "B-" (2.75) or higher in any undergraduate course taken after completion of the Bachelor's degree to count as a prerequisite for the MSA degree.
• 5000-level courses taken in the undergraduate career that are used to earn the undergraduate accounting degree cannot be transferred into the MSA degree program.