Program Overview
The JD/MS in Accounting Dual Degree Program at Western New England University prepares students for careers in tax and estate planning. Combining the legal education of the JD with the accounting curriculum of the MS, this program saves students $11,000 in tuition and can be completed in three to four years. Graduates are eligible to become CPAs in Massachusetts and Connecticut and may find work in accounting firms, law firms, or government agencies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The JD/MS in Accounting Dual Degree Program at Western New England University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in taxation and estate planning. The program combines the rigorous legal education of the JD program with the comprehensive accounting curriculum of the MS in Accounting program.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in both law and accounting.
- To prepare students for careers in taxation, estate planning, and other related fields.
- To enable students to satisfy the requirements to become a CPA in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
- To develop students' skills in planning, controlling, evaluation, and analysis.
Program Description:
The program is offered online and can be completed in three years for full-time students and four years for part-time students. Students will save over $11,000 in tuition by pursuing both degrees together. The program is accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Careers:
The JD/MS in Accounting Dual Degree Program prepares students for a variety of careers in taxation, estate planning, and other related fields. Graduates may find employment in:
- Accounting firms
- Law firms
- Government agencies
- Corporations
Other:
- The program is offered entirely online via KODIAK, Western New England University's online learning management system.
- Each course will consist of 11 class sessions.
- The LSAT will be considered in lieu of the GMAT for admission to the MS in Accounting program.
- Current Western New England University JD candidates can apply for admission to the JD/MS in Accounting Dual Degree Program upon completing at least one semester of full-time study or three semesters of part-time study in the JD program.
- Applications are processed on a rolling basis.
- Dual degree candidates will be billed in four installments once they register for their first graduate business course.
- Candidates completing graduate business courses after the four installments are paid will not be charged for any remaining graduate business courses.
Western New England University
Overview:
Western New England University (WNE) is a private university located in Springfield, Massachusetts. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing experiential learning and career preparation. WNE is recognized for its commitment to student support and its strong return on investment.
Services Offered:
WNE provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Writing Center, Math Center, and Counseling Services.Career Development:
Career Center with assessment tools, guidance, and mock interviews.Student Life:
Housing & Residence Life, Dining Services, Student Involvement and Leadership opportunities, and Athletics.Health and Wellness:
Health and Wellness services.Safety:
Campus safety measures.Student Life and Campus Experience:
WNE fosters a close-knit community where students can engage in various activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
Over 70 clubs and organizations.Campus Traditions:
Painting the rock, cheering on the football team at the Golden Bear Stadium.Athletics:
23 Division III Varsity Sports.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Return on Investment:
Ranked #1 in Springfield for Return on Investment and 10th in the country for moving students from disadvantaged to affluent.Experiential Learning:
Emphasis on internships, hands-on projects, research opportunities, and faculty-led study abroad courses.Personalized Education:
Caring faculty who act as mentors and help students customize their studies.Supportive Community:
A close-knit community that celebrates individuality and supports students in their academic and personal growth.Academic Programs:
WNE offers over 50 undergraduate majors and programs, a variety of graduate and professional programs, and unique cross-disciplinary combined and dual-degree programs. Key academic strengths include:
Engineering:
Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering.Business:
Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and Business Analytics.Pharmacy and Health Sciences:
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.Law:
Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM) in Elder Law and Estate Planning.Entry Requirements:
- Current Western New England University JD candidates: Can apply for admission to the JD/MS in Accounting Dual Degree Program after completing at least one semester of full-time study or three semesters of part-time study in the JD program.
- Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Performance in the JD program
- Undergraduate academic record
- Required undergraduate accounting courses:
- Financial Reporting
- Managerial Accounting
- Financial Reporting II
- Financial Reporting III
- Cost Accounting
- Fundamental Concepts of Tax Structure
- Auditing and Assurance Services
- Principles of Finance
- LSAT: Considered in lieu of the GMAT.
