Program Overview

Accounting - M.S.A.

Overview

The Master of Science in Accounting degree is for students interested in higher-level positions in banking, taxation, insurance or any company with a financial division. More than just focusing on debits and credits, the M.S.A. degree promotes critical thinking, hands-on application of technology and effective communication and ethical decision-making skills. Graduates pursue careers in auditing, taxation, fraud investigation, law enforcement, investment banking, management and consulting.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Minimum 3.000 accounting GPA, if applicable
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: Application deadline: July 1
• Spring Semester: Application deadline: December 1
• Summer Term: Application deadline: May 1

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

• Prerequisite Requirements:
  • ACCT 53001: FINANCIAL REPORTING I
  • ACCT 53010: AUDITING FUNDAMENTALS
  • ACCT 53012: FINANCIAL REPORTING II
  • ACCT 53041: INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX
• Major Requirements:
  • ACCT 53020: ADVANCED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 1
  • ACCT 53033: INCOME TAXATION II - ENTITY TAXATION 1
  • ACCT 63031: ADVANCED AUDITING THEORY AND PRACTICE
  • ACCT 63050: ADVANCED ACCOUNTING ANALYTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
• Accounting Electives, choose from the following:
  • ACCT 53013: ADVANCED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING 1
  • ACCT 53043: INTERNAL AUDIT AND FRAUD EXAMINATION 1
  • ACCT 63024: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUDIT: CONTROLS AND ANALYTICS
  • ACCT 63045: TAX RESEARCH AND PLANNING
• Approved Non-Accounting Business Electives, choose from the following:
  • BA 64005: ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING
  • Business Administration Interdisciplinary (BUS) 60000-Level Courses
  • Business Analytics (BA) 60000-Level Courses
  • Computer Information Systems (CIS) 60000-Level Courses
  • Economics (ECON) 60000-Level Courses
  • Finance (FIN) 60000-Level Courses
  • Human Resource Management (HRM) 60000-Level Courses
  • Management (MGMT) 60000-Level Courses
  • Marketing (MKTG) 60000-Level Courses
  • Other non-accounting 60000-level courses with program coordinator approval
• Culminating Requirement:
  • ACCT 63022: PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN ACCOUNTING 2

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Analyze, evaluate and report on complex accounting and economic transactions using the accounting framework.
2. Apply research and analytical skills to solve accounting problems.
3. Given an ethical dilemma in an accounting setting, analyze the issue, apply an ethical framework and develop a resolution.
4. Effectively communicate using oral and written communication skills in a business setting.
5. Assemble, cleanse and analyze the information provided by information systems, and prepare summary reports useful for business decision-making.
6. Demonstrate the ability to pursue professional certifications and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Why Kent State University

Accounting Overview

Listen as Associate Professor of Accounting Drew Sellers discusses his research in the field of accounting.

Accounting Scholarships

The Accounting Department offers over 50 scholarships for accounting majors of all class standings including incoming freshmen through graduate students.

Career Development Support

The Accounting Department helps students of all stages to seek internships and full-time jobs through accounting-specific job fairs and networking events.