Examples of Possible Careers*
Accountants and auditors
- 4.3% about as fast as the average
- 1,436,100 number of jobs
- $73,560 potential earnings
Financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists, all other
- 5.5% faster than the average
- 487,800 number of jobs
- $83,660 potential earnings
Contact Information
Fully Offered
Admission Terms
*Note
Source of occupation titles and labor data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Description
The Master of Science in Accounting degree is for students interested in higher-level positions in banking, taxation, insurance or any company with a financial division. More than just focusing on debits and credits, the M.S.A. degree promotes critical thinking, hands-on application of technology, effective communication skills and ethical decision making. Graduates pursue careers in auditing, taxation, fraud investigation, law enforcement, investment banking, management and consulting. The flexible combination of required coursework in accounting and electives from a wide variety of business disciplines provides students with a strong foundation in accounting, as well as an understanding of the practical applications of the discipline across all facets of business.
Graduates of the M.S.A. degree meet the educational requirement to sit for a variety of professional certifications, including becoming a Certified Public Accountant1 (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Accreditation
AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale (effective spring 2023 admission)
- Minimum 3.000 accounting GPA, if applicable
- Official transcript(s)
- GMAT scores1 (see note below for waivers)
- Résumé
- Goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (internet-based version)
- Minimum 77 MELAB score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 Duolingo English score
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education website.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Analyze, evaluate and report on complex accounting and economic transactions using the accounting framework
- Apply research and analytical skills to solve accounting problems
- Given an ethical dilemma in an accounting setting, analyze the issue, apply an ethical framework and develop a resolution
- Effectively communicate using oral and written communication skills in a business setting
- Assemble, cleanse and analyze the information provided by information systems, and prepare summary reports useful for business decision-making
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.
