Accountancy, MS

The MS Accountancy program is geared toward knowledge-seeking learners who aspire to develop the specialty skills required to pursue a career in the accounting field. The accounting field is dynamically changing, driven by a variety of factors such as increased regulation, the complexity and competitiveness of the business climate and the move toward a global economy. Expertise in this field can provide the foundation for students to become CPAs in public accounting firms, to pursue a career in corporate management accounting, to work in government or not-for-profit sectors, or to succeed as an entrepreneur.

The MS Accountancy program is a rigorous and thorough, experienced-based curriculum integrating critical thinking, real-world experience, and values-based management. Coursework is grounded in an ethical value system which will serve students throughout their careers and personal lives and provide a foundation for ethical leadership. The curriculum not only helps prepare students for the CPA exam, it lays the groundwork required for leadership roles beyond the initial accounting position. Because the MS Accountancy degree is an opportunity for students to gain specialized accounting skills, specific course prerequisites are required prior to entering the program. Most candidates with accounting degrees will have met the prerequisites before entering the 30 credit graduate program.

Program Highlights

• Designed for working professionals, the MS Accountancy program allows students to advance their business education without interrupting their careers. Classes (including prerequisites) are held in the evening and online year-round, allowing students to enter the program in the Spring, Summer or Fall sessions and take up to five classes per semester.
• Accounting Club:  this student-led organization serves to expand the experiences of accounting majors outside the classroom. Accounting Club events include speaker meetings, field trips to regional firms in both public and private practice, networking events with professional organizations such as the IMA and with local firms in a career fair format.
• Internship Opportunities:  the School of Business network area firms gives students unparalleled access to relevant internship opportunities.

Admission Requirements

MSA seeking students must hold a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a scale of 4.0 from a regionally accredited, post-secondary institution. Additionally, prospective students are expected to have computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel. Please see the following link for more details on the admission requirements, https://www.edgewood.edu/academics/programs/details/accounting/graduate.

Program Prerequisites

MSA core courses have prerequisites and students should not register for courses until they have completed the necessary prerequisites. MBA students admitted with contingent status (see Graduate Admissions ) must have their course schedule approved by the School of Business graduate academic advisor. All courses are three credits unless otherwise indicated.

All program courses are taught under the assumption that students have the necessary background and preparation. General knowledge preparation includes a minimum of college algebra and basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet searches.

Prerequisites Areas

• Financial Accounting
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Cost Accounting
• Tax I
• Business Law I
• Business Finance
• Micro-Economics or Macroeconomics
• Statistics
• Finite Math

Students are required to complete a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university and complete the following courses at a 4-year regionally accredited institution prior to enrolling in the program:  Intermediate Accounting I, Intermediate Accounting II, Tax I.

POLICIES

Transfer of Credit

Up to nine credits of relevant graduate coursework may be transferred to the Edgewood College MS Accountancy program. Transfer of credit must be approved by the School of Business and consideration is subject to the following:

1. A minimum grade of ‘B’ is required.
2. Work must be clearly identified as graduate coursework and must have been completed within three years prior to acceptance into the Edgewood College MSA program.
3. A Request for Transfer of Graduate Business Credit from Another Institution Form must be completed.

For more information about transfer credits, students should consult their advisor.

Requirements for Waiver of Prerequisite Courses

Waiver of prerequisite courses must be approved by the School of Business. Waivers reflect a specific set of requirements and are based on coursework described on certified copies of student transcripts. Waivers are part of the normal admission process. A grade of ‘C’ or better is required for any course used to satisfy the minimum requirement of a prerequisite course. Students should consult their advisor for more details.

Requirements for Waiver of Core Courses

Up to three credits of relevant graduate coursework may be waived from the Edgewood College MSA program. Waivers of core courses must be approved by the School of Business. Waivers reflect a specific set of requirements and are based on coursework described on certified copies of student transcripts. Waivers are part of the normal admission process. A grade of ‘B’ or better is required for any course used to satisfy the minimum requirement of a core course. Students should consult their advisor for more details.

Core Course Substitution

Students who have completed significant coursework in the area of a core course not qualifying for a waiver may request to substitute another, usually more advanced, course. For more information, please contact the graduate advisor.

Taking Coursework at Edgewood College

All graduate business students are expected to take all coursework at Edgewood College. Deviation from this policy will be allowed only in special circumstances and will require prior written approval from the Dean of the School of Business. Requests for such approval must be submitted in writing with details of coursework involved and reasons for the request. Under no circumstances will an exception to the prior approval portion of this policy be made.

Credit Load

Full-time graduate students carry six graduate credit hours each semester. Students in the MSA program may carry up to 12 credits per semester without seeking written permission from the School of Business.