Master of Science in Accounting
The Master of Science in Accounting program is designed to provide students with the advanced study in accounting necessary to prepare for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. This program focuses on the knowledge and skills needed in the profession of accounting. Graduates of the MS in Accounting program are prepared for employment opportunities in a variety of accounting career paths including with public/industry/government/nonprofit firms.
The MS in Accounting requires thirty (30) graduate credit hours and can be completed in one year (12 months) by full time students who possess an appropriate undergraduate degree in accounting and who first enroll in the MS in Accounting program in either fall or summer semesters.
The MS in Accounting program allows students possessing an undergraduate degree in accounting to meet the minimum legislatively mandated requirement of 150 semester hours of college credit to be licensed as a CPA in Texas. Students seeking additional information on the Uniform CPA Examination should check the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy homepage.
All classes in the MS in Accounting program are taught only at the Huntsville campus.
Mission
The MS in Accounting is a professional program with the mission of providing students with the skills-based competencies necessary to enter the accounting profession and to enable students to meet the minimum educational requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant in Texas.
Vision
The MS in Accounting program provides students with a thorough grounding in the technical core competencies for entry into the accounting profession as identified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The AICPA’s Core Competency Framework identifies six technical competencies as most aligned with the value contributed by accounting professionals:
- Risk Assessment, Analysis and Management
- Measurement Analysis and Interpretation
- Reporting
- Research
- Systems and Process Management
- Technology and Tools
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science in Accounting program must:
- Complete the online graduate application form.
- Pay the application fee.
Additionally, applicants must submit the following material directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Official transcript(s) from all previous college work (except SHSU graduates).
- A current resume.
Graduate Application Deadlines
U.S. Citizens
- Fall - August 1
- Spring - December 1
- Summer - May 15
International Students
- Fall - June 25
- Spring - November 12
- Summer - April 9
Admission Criteria
- Have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.01
- Have a minimum advanced accounting coursework GPA of 3.02
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from a U.S. Institution
- 1
The Undergraduate GPA is the GPA from courses taken at the degree granting institution. Transfer grades are not used in the computation.
- 2
The advanced accounting coursework GPA is the GPA from junior- and senior- level accounting courses taken at the degree granting institution. Transfer grades are not used in this computation.
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements for Non-Business Graduates and Non-Accounting Graduates
Students seeking admission to the Master of Science in Accounting program who do not have a baccalaureate degree in accounting from an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) accredited university will be required to take substantial prerequisite coursework before being allowed in the MS in Accounting program. Baccalaureate degrees from foreign universities not accredited by AACSB International are treated as non-business degrees. Additionally, graduate prerequisite courses (courses listed as 5300) do not apply to the 30-hour graduate credit hour requirement of the MS in Accounting degree. Contact the graduate advisor for details.
Stem Courses Required
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Stem Courses Required | ||
| ACCT 2301 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 2302 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 3313 | Intermediate Accounting I | 3 |
| ACCT 3314 | Intermediate Accounting II | 3 |
| ACCT 3324 | Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| ACCT 3347 | Cost Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 3353 | Federal Taxation Concepts | 3 |
| ACCT 4317 | Advanced Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 4372 | Auditing Principles | 3 |
| BANA 3363 | Inter Business Analysis | 3 |
| BUAD 3335 | Business Communication | 3 |
| ECON 2301 | Principles Of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 2302 | Principles Of Microeconomics | 3 |
| FINC 3320 | Business Finance | 3 |
| MGIS 3310 | Principles of Management Information Systems (MIS) | 3 |
| MGMT 3310 | Principles Of Management | 3 |
| MKTG 3310 | Principles Of Marketing | 3 |
| Total Hours | 51 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Accounting | ||
| Courses | ||
| ACCT 5311 | Advanced Financial Accounting Research I 1 | 3 |
| ACCT 5312 | Advanced Financial Accounting Research II 2 | 3 |
| ACCT 5324 | Information System Auditing & Assurance 1 | 3 |
| ACCT 5352 | Corporate & Pass Through Entity Taxation 1 | 3 |
| ACCT 5379 | Professional Ethics & Responsibility 2 | 3 |
| ACCT 5399 | Advanced Auditing Theory & Practice 2,3 | 3 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Seminar in Accounting Theory | ||
| Financial Statement Analysis | ||
| Managerial Accounting Application | ||
| Estate Planning, Trusts, and Nonprofits | ||
| Multijurisdictional Taxation Concepts | ||
| Analytics in Accounting | ||
| ERP Business Process Integration | ||
| COBA Electives | ||
| Select any graduate course from the College of Business Administration 4 | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Course is only offered during the Fall semester
- 2
Course is only offered during the Spring Semester.
- 3
ACCT 5399 is the capstone course that satisfies the comprehensive exam requirement. A grade of B or better is required for graduation.
- 4
Any graduate course in COBA except 5300s, ACCT 5302, or ACCT 5304. Non-COBA courses must be approved by the Chair of the Department of Accounting.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The MS in Accounting is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Measurement Analysis and Interpretation: Our graduates will identify and apply appropriate, reliable, and verifiable measurements to analyze data for a given purpose and intended use.
- Reporting: Our graduates will identify the appropriate content and communicate clearly and objectively to the intended audience the work performed and the results as governed by professional standards required by law or dictated by the business environment.
- Research: Our graduates will identify, access, and apply relevant professional frameworks, standards, and guidance as well as other information for analysis and to make informed decisions.
- Risk Assessment, Analysis and Management: Our graduates will assess, analyze, and manage risk using appropriate frameworks, professional judgment, and skepticism for effective business management.
- Systems and Process Management: Our graduates will identify the appropriate businesses processes and system(s) and the related framework and controls to assist in the design and use of systems for efficient and effective operations.
- Technology and Tools: Our graduates will identify and utilize relevant technology and tools to analyze data, efficiently and effectively perform assigned tasks as well as support other competencies.
