Accounting Master of Science Degree
Admissions for this program has been suspended as of Fall 2023.
The two-year program is designed for individuals with no prior background in accounting or business. Students from diverse backgrounds enroll in this program. Recent classes have included students with degrees ranging from art to zoology. This program gives students the opportunity to become familiar with the complex, challenging and competitive world of business and accounting.
The two-year Masters of Science in Accounting (MS-A) program prepares students to become professional accountants in a wide variety of settings, including public accounting, government, industry and not-for-profit environments. The MS-A program enables students to develop both the personal and professional skills needed to enjoy a productive career in all areas of accounting and related fields.
Graduates of this program are highly sought after by employers, including the largest international consulting & accounting firms. Among the organizations that have recently hired UAlbany graduates are Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, IBM and the Office of the NYS Comptroller. Not only have our alumni achieved success in public accounting, many have gone on to become leaders in the community and in the world of business.
Curriculum Prerequisites
A typical program for a student accepted into full time graduate study requires the student to have completed a minimum of 78 credits in undergraduate liberal arts, 3 courses (9 credits total) in business statistics, economics and computer science, and a 3 credit course in financial accounting (see schedule below).
| Undergraduate Liberal Arts: | Credits |
|---|---|
| Math/science | 3 |
| Social science | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 |
| Economics | 3 |
| Computer science | 3 |
| Undergraduate electives | 63 |
| 78 | |
| Undergraduate Business: | |
| 3 courses in Business/Statistics/Computer Science | 9 |
| Financial Accounting | 3 |
The Curriculum
Assuming the program prerequisites are met, a typical program for a student accepted into full time graduate study requires the completion of 60 credits (up to 10 credits are waivable) and takes four semesters to complete. Admission is for the fall semester and is available to full-time students only. Up to 10 graduate credits can be waived in the Account M.S. (2 year) program depending on prior coursework. The following graduate courses are eligible for waiver: BACC512, BFIN515, BITM510, BITM513, BMGT513, BMGT523. The department will determine eligible course waivers, up to 10 credits, based on credential review on an individual basis.
Graduate General Business and Accounting Courses
The general business courses are designed to help the student achieve the skill set necessary to understanding business and the accounting disciplines. Students take most of the general business courses in the first year, including a series of courses in introductory skills, analysis, and business functions augmented by coursework in accounting. An in-depth study of accounting is the focus of the program in the second year. Students typically take courses in taxation, advanced financial accounting theory, advanced accounting systems and accounting research. The students finish the program by taking a research seminar where they have the opportunity to engage in original research.
Graduate General Business Courses
| Course # | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 500 | Law and the Corporation | 1 |
| LAW 510 | Law and Business | 3 |
| FIN 515 | Economic Analysis | 3 |
| MKT 522 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| FIN 525 | Financial Management | 3 |
| FIN 635 | Corporate Financial Problems | 3 |
| MGT 513 | Organizational Behavior and Managerial Skills | 3 |
| MGT 523 | Presentation Skills | 1 |
| ITM 513 | Quantitative Analysis for Business | 3 |
| ITM 514 | Operations Management | 3 |
| ITM 510 | Advanced Excel with Visual Basic for Applications | 1 |
| MGT 682 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| Total Graduate General Business Credits | 30 |
Graduate Accounting Courses
| Course # | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC 512, 513 & 514 |
Theory of Financial Accounting I, II & III | 9 |
| ACC 531 | Introduction to Cost Analysis | 3 |
| ACC 540 | Survey of Taxation | 3 |
| ACC 561 | Auditing | 3 |
| ACC 581 | Internal Controls and Financial Information Systems | 3 |
| ACC 611 | Contemporary Developments in Accounting Thought | 3 |
| ACC 680 | Research Seminar in Accounting | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Total Graduate Accounting Credits | 30 |
Please note: This program is licensure qualifying. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.
Accreditation
The MS-A program is registered with the Division of Professional Education of the State Education Department of New York and meets the 150-semester credit hour education requirement. In addition this program is accredited by the AACSB, as are all of our Accounting Programs. Few accounting programs across the country have gained this distinction. This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State and the institution has not made a determination regarding the educational requirements for any other state.
