Program contact: Kathleen Simione 203-582-8519
The Dual-Degree BS/MS and BA/MS in Accounting (4+1) programs respond to the demand for well-trained certified public accountants. The curriculum takes 5 years and provides a foundation in the principles, concepts and technical practices of accounting, with the Master of Science degree providing advanced skills and accounting theory to support success on the Certified Public Accountant certification exam. The curriculum is designed to help students transition from undergraduate to graduate study to the 150-credit education requirement to sit for the CPA exam. Qualified students from all majors may express interest in this program through the fall of their senior year.
Dual-degree accounting students have access to the same internship opportunities as the traditional BS, BA and MS program students. They also can take advantage of networking events and career fairs that bring representatives from Big 4 accounting firms and other employers from the public, private and government sectors to campus.
Dual-Degree BS/MSA or BA/MSA (4+1) Program of Study
The MS in Accounting program is designed to prepare candidates to satisfy the 150-credit requirement and to position them for success in the CPA exam. The program will position successful graduates for careers in professional services firms, business corporations, governmental agencies and business consulting firms among others. The program provides students with in-depth accounting knowledge and skills necessary to be successful accounting professionals. Notably, there is a large demand for well-trained accounting professionals in public and private accounting, as well as in government.
MSA Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth Year (Graduate Study) | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| AC 635 | Advanced Topics in Financial Accounting and Reporting | 3 |
| AC 645 | Information Assurance | 3 |
| AC 650 | Advanced Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| MSA Elective | 3 | |
| MSA Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| AC 660 | Strategic Management Control Systems | 3 |
| AC 670 | Advanced Business Law, Regulation, Ethics and Reporting Environments | 3 |
| AC 680 | Advanced Federal Income Taxation and Tax Research | 3 |
| MSA Elective | 3 | |
| MSA Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
You may refer to the MSA Curriculum page for electives.
Interested students can express interest in the BS/MSA or BA/MSA program at any time during their undergraduate studies through the fall semester of their senior year using a special application form available in the School of Business. Admission requires a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in an accounting major or accounting minor. Students not enrolled as an accounting major or accounting minor must meet with the program director to discuss their candidacy for the program.
Meeting the minimum standards as listed above does not guarantee admission to the program. Students are not admitted officially into the MS in Accounting program until they graduate with their bachelor’s degree and meet all other requirements. Once admitted, students begin full-time study in the MS in Accounting program.