How long does it take to earn the MS ACCY degree?

The course of study consists of 30 semester hours. For full-time students who have completed all prerequisites, the program can be completed in two full semesters of 12 hours each (Fall and Spring) and one summer. Full-time students typically take 6 credits in May/Summer sessions and 12 credits each during Fall and Spring sessions.

Often, full-time students will either have summer internships and/or need to complete pre-requisites during the May/Summer preceding the Fall semester. These students typically take 4 classes each in Fall and Spring, and complete the program with 2 courses in the May Evening term (following Spring). The May Evening term ends in June so students taking May Evening courses will also have the opportunity to study and sit for the CPA Exam before beginning full-time employment (most traditional public accounting jobs begin in the Fall).

Other full-time students may start the program by taking 2 courses in May Evening. These students also typically take 4 classes each in Fall and Spring, and graduate from the program at the end of the Spring semester. The earlier graduation date increases the time a student has to study and sit for the CPA Exam before beginning full-time employment.

Part-time students will typically take 1 or 2 courses each Fall and Spring in addition to May and Summer courses. It is reasonable to expect to complete the program in 2 to 3 calendar years by taking courses at or after 4:00pm in the semesters when they are offered at night.

What courses are required for the MS ACCY degree?

We have two courses required for all students. ACCT 500 (Financial Accounting Theory) and ACCT 513 (Financial Statement Analysis). ACCT 500 will typically be offered in the Fall and is a pre-requisite for ACCT 513. ACCT 513 will typically be offered in the Spring.

Are there areas in which one can concentrate while getting a MS ACCY degree?

Students will choose the AIS, FR/A or GEN Track upon admission to the MS program. The Financial Reporting/Auditing (FR/A) and Accounting Information Systems (AIS) tracks consist of four courses each that are structured to develop a specialized skill set. The Generalist (GEN) track allows a student to take courses in both tracks and from our stated list of electives. There are four (4) GEN track courses related to taxation. Each track is oriented toward where the accounting profession is going (as opposed to where it has been). Each student should pick the track that best suits his/her professional interests.

The Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Track allows students to focus on both a) how information systems are constructed, maintained and protected from potential contaminants and b) how to generate business intelligence from large data sets using sophisticated analytical techniques and powerful computer languages. This track allows students to develop information technology skills as they prepare for careers in auditing (including Information Technology Auditing), high-level data analysis and business advisory services. Two AIS track courses will be offered each Fall (ACCT 551 and 555) and each Spring (ACCT 552 and 556).

The Financial Reporting/Auditing (FR/A) Track allows students to consider the future of financial reporting and auditing through the four-course track sequence. Advances in information technology and globalization are creating significant changes in the skills required to conduct financial statement and internal control audits. This track allows students to develop these skills as they prepare for careers in financial reporting, external and internal auditing. Two FR/A track courses will be offered each Fall (ACCT 507 and 509) and each Spring (ACCT 510 and 531).

The Generalist/Taxation (GEN) Track allows students to study various topics in accounting and business law, including taxation. A GEN track student can take courses in either of the other two tracks (AIS or FR/A) as part of his/her four-course track sequence. The taxation courses have been designed to build students’ research skills and knowledge of estate planning tax issues as well as the taxation of both pass-through entities and corporations. Two tax courses will be offered each Fall (ACCT 540 and 543) and each Spring (ACCT 542 and 545).

How flexible are the curriculum requirements?

Relative to most similar graduate programs, the number of accounting and non-accounting electives (typically 4) that our students take is high. This flexibility allows students to tailor their curriculum to fit their interests and career needs.