Accounting - Master of Science

The Master of Science degree in Accounting is designed for persons who have completed, or will complete, the accounting courses or their equivalents that are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting at Michigan State University. It provides an opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge in at least one concentration area of accounting and to complete courses in several related fields such as communication, finance, management, marketing, and supply chain management. Each student’s program of study is developed according to chosen professional objectives, complementary to prior academic work.

This degree is relevant for persons interested in pursuing careers in the public accounting profession that typically require the Certified Public Accountant certification, or in similar positions in consulting, government and industry. The program develops the practice of accounting beyond the entry level addressed by the typical undergraduate accounting degree program. It equips students with superior technical accounting knowledge, especially in an accounting concentration area, and the ability to apply this knowledge to advance the goals of organizations. It also provides students with the skills a professional accountant is expected to possess such as strong analytical, oral and written communication skills as well as well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with groups and to provide leadership.

There is increasing evidence that an undergraduate college degree may be insufficient to provide the breadth and depth of accounting knowledge and the skill development necessary for professional success. All states require at least 150 semester hours of college credits to obtain a Certified Public Accountant certification.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of The Eli Broad College of Business and Graduate School of Management, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission