Master's in Accounting

Program Overview

The Whitman School's STEM-designated M.S. in Professional Accounting program prepares students for careers in accounting, consulting, and management. The program offers flexible completion options (9, 16, or 21 months) and a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Graduates are eligible for the CPA exam and are well-positioned for success in the accounting field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Whitman School's M.S. in Professional Accounting (MSA) program is STEM-designated and aims to provide students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare them for careers in accounting, consulting, and management. The program accommodates both students with undergraduate accounting degrees and those from other disciplines who may require additional coursework. Students who complete the MSA program are eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Accounting (CPA) exam. The Whitman School's MSA program has been registered as a New York State CPA licensure qualifying program.

Outline:

The duration of the MSA program varies depending on the student's background and the number of elective credits required. Students can complete the program in either 9, 16, or 21 months:

• 9-month option: Full-time students with an undergraduate accounting degree can complete the program in three semesters, taking 15 credits each semester.
• 16-month option: Full-time students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree can complete the program in four semesters, taking 9 credits per semester in the fall and spring, and completing a 3-credit summer internship.
• 21-month option: Part-time students can complete the program in five semesters, taking 9 credits each semester in the fall and spring.
The MSA program curriculum includes the following core courses:
• Financial Accounting I
• Financial Accounting II
• Auditing
• Taxation I
• Taxation II
• Cost and Managerial Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems
• Financial Statement Analysis and Reporting
• Advanced Accounting
• Ethics for Accountants
• Master's Project
Students can also select elective courses from areas such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship to customize their degree and pursue their specific career goals.

Assessment:

The assessment methods used in the MSA program vary depending on the course and may include:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Group work
• Participation

Teaching:

The Whitman School's MSA program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who combine academic expertise with real-world experience in accounting, consulting, and management. The program offers students a supportive and collaborative learning environment, with small class sizes and personalized attention.

Careers:

Graduates of the MSA program are well-prepared for careers as:

• Accountants
• Auditors
• Tax consultants
• Financial analysts
• Management consultants
• Internal auditors
The Whitman School has strong relationships with leading accounting firms, such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, which consistently recruit our graduates for full-time positions.