Accounting, MS

The 30-credit program consists of seven required courses and three electives. It includes core coursework in accounting principles, auditing, financial reporting, and taxation, with integrated analytics through a business analytics course and advanced applications in audit and tax. Elective options allow you to further specialize in areas such as AI fundamentals, Python programming, and information technology auditing.

Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, you’ll develop:

• Expertise in analyzing and interpreting financial statements.
• Proficiency in applying business analytics to accounting practices, including data visualization and predictive modeling.
• Advanced knowledge in areas like auditing, taxation, and cost management.
• The ability to leverage technology, such as Python programming and AI fundamentals, to enhance decision-making processes.
• Strong skills in evaluating organizational controls, risk, and compliance.

The College of Business has partnered with CPAexcel® to offer CPA exam preparation at a significant discount to our eligible Accounting students. In addition, eligible students who pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam within 12 months of graduation can receive a 100% reimbursement of the discounted cost of the CPAexcel® Gold review course. Alternatively, eligible students who complete at least one section of the CPA exam within 6 months of graduation can receive a 50% reimbursement of the discounted cost of the review course.

Students must meet specific accounting and general business course requirements in order to qualify for the CPA examination in Michigan. See the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy for the official policies.

Previous undergraduate or graduate coursework deemed substantially similar to the MSA core courses may qualify to exempt students from those courses. Exempted courses must be replaced with elective courses within the degree program; however, taking a course exemption is optional, and the total required credit-hours in the program remains the same.

Students who have completed 6 MSA elective courses (18 credits) may elect up to 3 College of Business graduate courses (9 credits) to replace other exempted or elective MSA courses. 

In addition, up to 6 transfer credits for previous equivalent graduate coursework can be applied to the degree if those credits have not been counted toward a degree.

Exemptions and transfer credit are granted at the discretion of the program faculty.

This program welcomes students from all undergraduate majors and levels of work experience. We conduct a holistic review of each application, focusing on strong academic performance, quantitative skills, and a clear statement of purpose. Admission is selective. View our Class Profile for details.

To be considered, you must have:

• A four-year U.S. bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution.
• A grade of C or better in college algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, or higher. If you haven't met this requirement, we'll help you complete an appropriate course before or shortly after admission.