MS in Accountancy Degree
Philip Sookram, M.S.A, Director, Master of Science in Accountacy Program
The MS in Accountancy is a 30 credit-hour program providing individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to keep pace with the changes in the practice of accounting. A unique feature of the program is its focus on risk management and compliance issues, preparing individuals for the growing complexities of the corporate world. A candidate may select a concentration other than Risk Management from one of the other areas of specialization such as Cyber Security, Finance, Health Care Administration, Human Resources Management, International Business, Management, or Marketing Intelligence.
An additional concentration may be added prior to the degree being awarded and requires an additional 6 credits over the standard degree credits. The additional concentration also can be pursued after the degree is granted, however, as this represents only six credits, federal financial aid is not applicable.
A candidate can combine the MSA with the MBA, thereby gaining the knowledge and skills required for professional accounting, while also developing an understanding of the broader management context. This will better prepare a graduate for senior management roles. A diploma for each degree is issued by the University at the same time the degree requirements are completed. When both degrees are pursued concurrently, a total of 54 credits is required, however, adding the MBA after graduation, may require slightly more credits.
A candidate who has an MBA from another institution may complete the MS in Accountancy degree program in 24 credits as 6 credits may be considered for waivers at the discretion of the Program Director.
Level I: Core Courses (15 Credits)
These courses provide the foundation for the MS in Accountancy. It is highly recommended that a student follow these courses in sequence.
| AC-501 | Managerial Accounting * | 3 |
| AC-520 | Financial Accounting & Reporting | 3 |
| AC-541 | Internal Controls / Sarbox | 3 |
| AC-543 | Forensic Accounting/Internal Auditing | 3 |
| DS-650 | Data Law Ethics & Business Intelligence | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
*An alternate Accounting course (AC-530 International Financial Reporting Standards, AC-553 Tax Problems, AC-554 International Taxation, AC-555 U.S. Taxation, or AC-570 Financial Statement Analysis) may be substituted with the approval of the Program Director.
Level II: Concentration (9-12 Credits)
Concentrations focus the candidate on a specific area to achieve depth of knowledge. Concentrations are available in Business Analytics, Cyber Security, Finance, Health Care Administration, Human Resources Management, International Business, Management, Marketing Intelligence, and Risk Management. Candidates may follow the recommended courses below or may work with the Program Director to design a concentration to meet specific goals and reflect individual backgrounds.
An additional concentration may be added prior to the degree being awarded and requires an additional 6 credits over the standard degree credits. The additional concentration also can be pursued after the degree is granted, however, as this represents only six credits, federal financial aid is not applicable.
Electives (3-6 Credits)
Two courses from within the Graduate Business curriculum with a course prefix of AC or GB can be selected to round-out and broaden the student's knowledge.
Additional Concentrations
Candidates may choose to add additional concentrations to their program of study. Each additional concentration requires 6 additional credits (12 credits for Health Care Administration). The concentration is noted on the transcript.
Saint Peter's alumni who have earned an MBA or MSA from Saint Peter's University may re-enroll for additional concentrations.
Note: A concentration taken after a degree has been awarded is not eligible for federal financial aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. You will be expected to settle your account using cash, employer tuition reimbursement, private loans or other such funds.