Program Overview

Master of Science in Accountancy

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program at Wake Forest University is a STEM-certified program that offers students the opportunity to specialize in assurance services, financial markets and transactions, or tax consulting. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in accounting, preparing them for careers in public accounting, industry, or government.

Curriculum

The MSA curriculum features a robust selection of courses, including three distinct tracks:

• Assurance Services, for careers in the assurance/audit practice area
• Financial Markets & Transactions, for careers in the financial transaction and advisory services areas
• Tax Consulting, for careers in the tax services practice area Courses include Forensic Accounting, Business Analysis and Valuation, and Tax Policy and Planning.

CPA Preparation and Paid Internship

In addition to the accounting classes, Wake Forest provides CPA exam preparation, with a pass rate that has been #1 in the country more than any other school in the past twenty-five years. The program also offers an optional third semester, which provides students with the opportunity for a nine-week paid internship, giving them first-hand accounting experience during the busy tax season.

The MBA Advantage

As an additional benefit of the MSA program, Wake Forest MSA graduates have a head start with the potential to complete their Wake Forest MBA degree in as few as 12 months as part of the MBA Advantage. Graduates will receive credit for program courses that are substantially equivalent to Wake Forest MBA coursework when they return.

Foundational Coursework

Foundational courses are required for the MSA degree but do not count towards the 30-hour minimum of required coursework. These courses include:

• Principles of Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Introductory Statistics
• Principles of Finance
• Accounting Information Systems
• Introduction to Auditing
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Introductory Tax

Program Details

The MSA program is two semesters and requires 30 hours of graduate coursework. Students who have not completed the foundational courses are required to complete them during the summer prior to beginning the program in August. The program has a 100% employment rate, with graduates more likely to land in the Big 4 than those from any other school. Wake Forest MSA graduates have a #1 CPA pass rate, making them highly competitive in the job market.