Master of Science in Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) provides advanced academic work for those with specialized interest in the field of accounting. The degree develops the conceptual and technical skills of those whose undergraduate academic performances were above average, and who may be preparing to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination.

Indiana law now requires 150 hours of college credit for a person to be eligible for this examination. To meet this need, IUSB is offering a 30 graduate credit hour (10 courses) Master of Science in Accounting degree. Besides being tailored to meet these new demands, the degree is equally well suited for practicing accountants who are preparing for greater professional challenges.

The curriculum for the M.S.A. reflects the school s mission to emphasize functional knowledge, skills, and capabilities. The program prepares individuals for professional certification, not only as a CPA, but also as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Data Processing Auditor (CDPA).

The degree requires 30 credit hours beyond the accounting major bachelor s degree. If an applicant lacks an undergraduate accounting degree, the attainment of an M.S.A. degree may require additional course work.

Who Will Benefit?

• Individuals preparing to meet the 150 credit hour requirement of Indiana and other states for taking the CPA examination.
• The professional accountant who desires a graduate degree.
• Professionals who want to increase their expertise for future advancement.
• Individuals who want to gain a working knowledge of the accounting profession for a change in careers or for future entrepreneurial projects.
• Individuals who want to meet the requirements for other professional certification programs such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Data Processing Auditor (CDPA).

Program Requirements (All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated)

Students who have not completed undergraduate courses equivalent to A201-Introduction to Financial Accounting and A202-Introduction to Managerial Accounting or a graduate course equivalent to A501-Survey of Financial Accounting and Reporting should complete a program of study with a student-assisted textbook before taking any foundation courses. Possible textbooks include R. N. Anthony and L. Pearlman, Essential of Accounting, 7^th edition, N. Margolis and P. Harmon, Accounting Essentials, 2^nd edition, W. Ruland, Accounting Fundamentals: A Self-Study Guide, 2nd edition.

Required Prerequisites
Students must possess computer competency equivalent to K501—Computer Skills for Management (1 cr.)

You can find the following undergraduate course descriptions in the IUSB Bulletin
BUS    A311      Intermediate Accounting I
BUS    A312      Intermediate Accounting II                
BUS    A325      Cost Accounting  
BUS    A328      Introduction to Taxation
BUS    A337      Accounting Information Systems or K321 Management Information Systems
BUS    A339      Advanced Income Taxes 
BUS    A424      Auditing & Assurance Services 

Students who plan to sit for the Uniform CPA exam should consider taking A335-Accounting for Government and Not-For-Profit Entities and enrolling in a CPA review course, particularly for business law.

MSA Program Requirements (30 cr.)

A. Skills Courses (6 cr.)

BUSB  F538     Leadership, Negotiation and HR Management (F532 also fulfills this requirement)
BUSB  F533     Professional Communication Skills

 B. Required Accounting Courses (9 cr.)

BUSB   A525    Advanced Financial Accounting Theory & Practice
BUSB  A530    Advanced Auditing Practice
BUSB  A531    Advanced Managerial/Cost Accounting Practice

C.  Elective Courses (9 cr.) Select any three courses from the following:

BUSB  A504    Management Information Systems
BUSB  A539    Advanced Tax Topics
BUSB  A545    International Accounting Practice 
BUSB  A564    Interpretation and Analysis of Financial Statements
BUSB  F542     Strategic Financial Management 

D.  Additional Elective Courses  (6 cr.) Choose two from eligible electives:

BUSB  A502    Managerial Price Theory
BUSB  C502    The Legal/Ethical Env. of Business
BUSB  D503    Production Management
BUSB F506     Management of Int’l Operations
BUSB  F520     Taxes and Business Strategies
BUSB  F523     Managerial Decision-Making Models
BUSB  F530     International Finance
BUSB   K505    Management of IT Topics
BUSB   K506    Web Site Development Techniques
BUSB   K510    Decision Support Systems
CSCI    A505    Object-Oriented Programming
CSCI    A510    Database Management Systems
Courses not taken as required in group C above
**other graduate business courses may qualify for Group D with the approval of the program’s Director.

Each student, as a condition of graduation, must participate in an exit interview.

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