ACCOUNTING (MS)
salemstate.edu/graduate
PROGRAM OVERVIEW The objective of the master of science in accounting (MSA) program is to prepare students for management positions in accounting. The program will build on the knowledge and tools from the students’ undergraduate education, allowing them to achieve a greater degree of sophistication in accounting, accounting information systems, auditing and tax. This graduate degree will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to have successful careers in both the public and private sector.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW MSA PROGRAM FEATURES •
Flexible pacing options: The core track of the MSA program can be completed in twelve months full-time (including summer semester) or up to six years part-time.
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Three Tracks in the MSA Program: The MSA curriculums from the three tracks are explicitly designed to meet the educational criteria for Level 1 status established by the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy
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Level 1 Status: Graduates of a MSA Level 1 program automatically satisfy all the educational requirements needed to sit for the CPA exam and eventually earn a CPA license in Massachusetts.
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Certificate opportunity: The graduate certificate in accounting (GCA) is an excellent introduction to the accounting world for those who have earned their bachelor’s degree in a field other than accounting and who are considering earning a full MSA degree at Salem State. After successfully completing the certificate, the credits may be applied towards the Business-to-Accounting / Transitions track for the MSA if all other conditions are fulfilled.
THIS GRADUATE PROGRAM ACHIEVES THE FOLLOWING: 1.
Offers the educational emphasis consistent with the educational requirements of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for the CPA examination;
2.
Meets the 150-hour education requirement (30 credits at the graduate level after completion of 120 undergraduate credits in accounting) as prescribed by the Board of Public Accountancy in Massachusetts for eligibility for a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant;
3.
Meets standards that are congruent with criteria for level 1 status by the Board of Public Accountancy; and
4.
The core track of the MSA program can be completed in twelve months full-time (including summer semester) or up to six years part-time.
5.
Courses are offered in the evening in a hybrid modality, with some classes available online with synchronous and asynchronous coursework.
Our 30-credit (minimum) program is for students with an accounting bachelor’s degree, with a curriculum meeting the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which consists of 18 credits (6 core courses) in Accounting; 6 credits (2 electives) in Accounting/Finance; and 6 credits (2 electives) in Business. Students from non-accounting, non-business, or undergraduate curriculums under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) must take MSA foundation courses before taking MSA core courses.
COURSES FOR THOSE WITH AN ACCOUNTING DEGREE Required 18 credits (6 courses) ACC 805
Tax Factors in Business
ACC 830
Advanced Accounting Systems
ACC 850
Corporate Financial Reporting
ACC 870
Advanced Auditing
ACC 880
Managerial Accounting with Data Analytics
ACC 890
Financial Accounting Theory
6 credits of Accounting/Finance Electives (2 from the following) ACC 820
Accounting for Governmental and Non-Profit Entities
ACC 840
Advanced Forensic Accounting
ACC 860
International Financial Reporting
FIN 868
Financial Statement Analysis
6 credits of Business Electives (2 from the following) ODS 800
Operations Management
MGT 800
Managing Human Performance in Organizations
MKT 805
Marketing Management and Strategy
FIN 800
Finance Decision Making and Value Creation
BUS 840
Managing in the Global Environment
CAREERS The MS in accounting will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to have successful careers in public and private accounting. Completion of this 30-credit program will help students in meeting the 150-hour education requirement for eligibility for a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant as provided in section 252 CMR 2.07(2)(a) of the Board of Public Accountancy.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students will be evaluated for the three different tracks within the MS in accounting program based on their prior degrees and/or courses in accounting and business. For all tracks, students applying for the MSA will be required to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 (overall) and a comparable GPA in accounting, or at least a 2.75 GPA in the Salem State undergraduate accounting certificate.
COST For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $599.00,* which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $696.50.* The program is 30 to 45 credits (excluding prerequisites). For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available. *Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.
CERTIFICATE OPTIONS
We offer a stand-alone, 15-credit graduate certificate in accounting that consists of five accounting foundation courses, all of which you can apply toward your MSA should you wish to pursue further study. Classes are offered both online and on campus during fall, spring and summer terms. ACC 700
Financial Accounting and Reporting I
ACC 701
Financial Accounting and Reporting II
ACC 702
Individual Taxation
ACC 710
Financial Accounting and Reporting III
ACC 711
Auditing Service
Note: If the student has taken an equivalent course at the undergraduate or graduate level, the course requirement can be waived in consultation with the MSA program coordinator.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM
TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
LETTERS OF REFERENCE
PERSONAL STATEMENT
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
MSA
Bachelor’s degree
2
Required
Resume
Graduate Certificate in Accounting
Bachelor’s degree
2
Required
Resume
PLEASE VISIT SALEMSTATE.EDU/GRADUATE/ADMISSIONS FOR FULL DETAILS.
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu Phone: 978.542.6200 For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.