The Anisfield School of Business MS in Accounting Program prepares students to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and effective professionals in accounting and control functions in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. This is accomplished through a comprehensive learning experience in both advanced accounting and CPA exam preparation in order to attain the professional credential and to excel in today’s complex and rapidly changing financial reporting environment.  In combination with an undergraduate degree, students will attain the 150 credits required to sit for the CPA examination.  Topics include Forensic Accounting, Fraud Examination and Advanced Auditing.

Goal 1: Critical Thinking: Graduates will possess the critical thinking skills necessary for an accounting professional.

Outcome 1: Each student will possess an in-depth understanding of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles that will enable them to appropriately identify financial problems and employ the applicable research skills necessary to provide effective solutions to improve business practices.

Outcome 2: Graduates will possess the skills necessary to accurately identify current emerging domestic and international issues in the accounting profession and the resulting strategic impact on business.

Goal 2: Ethics: Graduates will understand the importance of professional responsibility and adhere to the ethical standards of the accounting profession.

Outcome 1: Each student will possess the tools necessary to accurately identify ethical deficiencies in the accounting process and recommend effective and viable solutions.

Outcome: Each student will possess the capacity to comprehend their professional responsibility, the significance of regulatory guidelines and the importance of risk management, internal control compliance and corporate responsibility and governance.

Goal 3: Knowledge of Regulation and Technology: Students will possess an in-depth understanding of 1) accounting regulatory pronouncements and the ability to apply them in new situations and 2) the role of information technology in the reporting process.

Outcome 1: Each student will possess the skills necessary to interpret accounting concepts and the professional skeptical judgment necessary to accurately interpret the data for an effective auditing outcome.

Outcome 2: Each student will possess an understanding of the importance of information technology in the accurate preparation of financial statements and the impact on the auditing process.

Goal 4: Communication: Students will be effective oral and written communicators.

Objective 1: Each student will possess the ability to work in a team as either a leader or group participant and to collaborate effectively in the group dynamic.

Objective 2: Each student will be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written venues as mandated by the accounting professional guidelines.

1. The degree program consists of 10 courses (3 credits each) for a total of 30 credits from the following courses.
2. To remain in good academic standing, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.