30 credits
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree opens up a wide range of opportunities in public accounting firms, industrial companies, financial institutions, and government agencies.
With four 11-week terms per academic year, the part-time evening program can be completed in as little as 15 months. An accelerated full-time option can be completed in 10 months. Courses can be taken in traditional classroom settings or online via Manhattan Virtual Classroom.
The Master of Science in Accounting will enable you to satisfy the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and to develop the skills in planning, controlling, evaluation, and analysis that characterize a successful career in accounting. If you are taking the CPA exam in other jurisdictions, you must check the requirements of the respective jurisdiction. This program provides a challenging academic environment that will extend and refine your knowledge of business and accounting through study, experiential exercises, and assessment performance.
Student-centered Learning
Students appreciate the friendly, collegial atmosphere offered in the MSA program and the accessibility of the accounting faculty. The diversity of experiences among MSA students promotes lively classroom discussion as students master conventional accounting knowledge and explore the developing issues in the field.
With an eye toward management positions, MSA students are also given opportunities to acquire more general decision-making and leadership skills. Graduate students enhance communication skills through frequent writing assignments and presentations. Critical thinking skills are developed through analysis of practical case studies.
Study on Your Own Schedule
You can take all MSA courses online through the Manhattan virtual classroom or attend scheduled on-campus courses that blend class meetings with online study. Our innovative and flexible course delivery truly allows you to study on your own schedule.
Program Structure
The MSA consists of three areas:
- foundation courses, which can be completed at the undergraduate or graduate level;
- core courses; and
- elective courses.
NEW MSA Concentrations
The MSA program has been expanded to offer two new concentrations in Forensic Accounting/Fraud Investigation and Taxation that will give our students even greater opportunities for specialization in these high growth areas.
Candidates must have earned 24 undergraduate credits hours in non-accounting business courses in order to pursue a concentration.
Forensic Accounting/Fraud Investigation Concentration
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was passed in response to multibillion dollar corporate scandals, has created a strong demand for forensic accountants. The Forensic Accounting/Fraud Investigation concentration provides an important area of specialization for accountants looking to expand career opportunities in what has been called the fastest-growing area of accounting.
Leveraging the unique expertise of the College’s accounting and business law faculty, the program will provide advanced training for accountants in fraud investigation accounting, forensic accounting, and litigation support.
Required Concentration Courses 9 credit hours
AC 641 Introduction to Fraud 3 cr.
AC 642 Forensic Accounting/Systems 3 cr.
BL 640 Law for Accountants 3 cr.
Taxation Concentration
The Sarbanes-Oxley legislation has also led to a greater demand for tax expertise and for more tax practitioners. A concentration in Taxation enables individuals to enter the accounting profession with a background in tax accounting, tax research, international and interstate tax accounting, and accounting for income taxes. In addition to developing competence in taxation rule-making process, practice, and administration, and policy, the concentration will give students the ability to acquire technology and information literacy skills needed to perform quality tax research.
Required Concentration Courses 12 credit hours
AC 646 Selected Topics in Taxation 3 cr.
AC 647 Taxation Research and Writing 3 cr.
AC 648 State and Local Taxation 2 cr.
LAW 803 Federal Wealth Transfer Taxes 2 cr.
LAW 804 Federal Income Taxation of Estates 2 cr.
