Accounting, Master of Science

Variable Credit Program Description

Salem State University Master of Science in Accounting Variable Credit Program Description

The objective of the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program is to prepare accounting students for management positions in accounting. The program will build on the knowledge and tools from the students’ undergraduate education, allowing them to achieve a greater degree of sophistication in accounting, auditing, and tax. The MS in Accounting degree will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to have successful careers in public and private accounting.

The completion of this program will help students in meeting the 150 hour education requirement for eligibility as a Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts.

Salem State University’s Master of Science in Accounting degree uses a variable credit model. Enrolled students are eligible for one of three tracks:

Core Track: Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting can complete the degree with 30 graduate credits.

Business-to-Accounting Track: Students with an undergraduate degree in business can complete the degree with 30-45 graduate credits.

Transitions Track: Students with a non-business undergraduate degree can complete the degree with 30-54 graduate credits.

Note: Students in the Business-to-Accounting or Transitions track who have taken an equivalent course at the undergraduate or graduate level may qualify to have the course requirement waived in consultation with MSA program coordinator.

The Accounting and Finance department also offers a 15 credit Graduate Certificate in Accounting, intended for students who do not want to complete a graduate degree, or who want to take graduate accounting courses prior to formally matriculating into the MSA program. The certificate consists of the five MSA Accounting Foundation courses.

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO MORE THAN THREE COURSES TAKEN AT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY BEFORE ADMISSION CAN BE COUNTED TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study as needed.

Required Courses (18 credits)

• ACC 805 - Tax Factors in Business: A Decision Making Approach
• ACC 830 - Advanced Accounting Systems
• ACC 850 - Corporate Financial Reporting
• ACC 870 - Advanced Auditing
• ACC 880 - Managerial Accounting with Data Analytics
• ACC 890 - Financial Accounting Theory

Electives: Choose 2 (6 credits)

• ACC 820 - Accounting for Governmental and Non-Profit Entities
• ACC 840 - Advanced Forensic Accounting
• ACC 860 - Global Financial Reporting Issues
• FIN 868 - Advanced Financial Analysis

Electives: Choose 2 (6 credits)

• ODS 800 - Operations Management
• BUS 840 - Managing in the Global Business Environment
• FIN 800 - Financial Decision Making and Value Creation
• MGT 800 - Managing Human Performance in Organizations
• MKT 805 - Marketing Management and Strategy

Total Credits: 30

Business to Accounting Track

MSA Accounting Foundation Courses* (variable up to 15 credits)

*Note : If the student has taken an equivalent course at the undergraduate or graduate level, the course requirement may be waived in consultation with MSA program coordinator.

• ACC 700 - Financial Accounting and Reporting I
• ACC 701 - Financial Accounting and Reporting II
• ACC 702 - Individual Taxation
• ACC 710 - Financial Accounting and Reporting III
• ACC 711 - Auditing Service

Total Credits: (30 - 45)

Transitions Track

• Business Foundation Courses* (variable up to 9 credits)

• ACC 720 - Financial Accounting for Managers
• FIN 720 - Foundations of Finance
• ECO 710 - Economics for Managers

• Accounting Foundation Courses (variable up to 15 credits)

• ACC 700 - Financial Accounting and Reporting I
• ACC 701 - Financial Accounting and Reporting II
• ACC 702 - Individual Taxation
• ACC 710 - Financial Accounting and Reporting III
• ACC 711 - Auditing Service

Total Credits: (30 - 54)