Master of Science in Accounting
Master of Science in Accounting
Linda M. Hughen, Ph.D., CPA
Director of Master of Science in Accounting Program
Associate Professor of Accounting
Phone: 203-365-4157
E-mail: hughenl@sacredheart.edu
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at the Jack Welch College of Business is designed to respond to a growing industry demand for professionally trained accountants. Graduates will learn advanced knowledge in financial accounting, audit, tax, data analytics, and information systems, and gain the knowledge and skills that are tested on the CPA exam.
Concentrations
The one-year Master of Science in Accounting program offered through the AACSB-accredited Jack Welch College of Business consists of seven required classes and three additional classes that are chosen from one of three concentrations:
- Business Analysis and Reporting
- Information Systems, Controls and Forensic Accounting Concentration
- Tax Compliance and Planning
Program Benefits
The MSA program can be completed in one year with hybrid courses taken in a trimester format. Courses will be offered online with monthly Saturday seminars. Saturday classes will meet at our Fairfield West Campus from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Our faculty members are established scholars in the accounting field and the program content is essential as students prepare for the CPA exam.
Admissions Requirements
The following must be submitted and will be considered when applying:
• Online application and non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• No GMAT/GRE required
• One-page personal statement, résumé, and two letters of recommendation
Students must take the following courses as prerequisites for the program:
• Financial Accounting (3 credits)
• Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
• Two intermediate accounting courses (3 credits each)
• Auditing (3 credits)
• Federal Taxes (3 credits)
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits.
Transfer Credit Limit: 6
Minimum Grade Required: B
Accounting Course Requirements
The Master of Science in Accounting is a 30-credit degree program with two concentrations to choose from:
- Business Analysis and Reporting
- Information Systems, Controls and Forensic Accounting
- Tax Compliance and Planning
Required Courses (21 credits)
| MSA 600 | Advanced Financial Reporting | 3 |
| MSA 621 | Federal Taxation | 3 |
| MSA 631 | Contemporary Issues in Auditing | 3 |
| MSA 650 | Introduction to Accounting Analytics | 3 |
| MSA 632 | IS Assurance and Advisory I | 3 |
| MSA 634 | Business Valuation and Emerging Attestation | 3 |
| MSA 624 | Personal Financial Advisory Services | 3 |
Students will select one of the following concentrations:
Business Analysis and Reporting Concentration (9 credits)
| MSA 603 | Special Topics in Financial Accounting | 3 |
| MSA 602 | Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting | 3 |
| MSA 651 | Advanced Data Analytics | 3 |
Tax Compliance and Planning
| MSA 622 | Individual Compliance and Planning | 3 |
| MSA 623 | Entity Compliance and Planning | 3 |
| MSA 695 | Research Capstone Project | 3 |
Information Systems, Controls and Forensic Accounting
Program Total: 30 credits